Wildcats sweep Marshals
Published on October 21, 2004 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Wichita Falls Wildcats News Release
The Wichita Falls Wildcats traveled to Central Texas this past weekend on a mission: to win the first game in the history of the franchise, and gain momentum for this week's upcoming Blaine, Minnesota, NAHL Showcase. That mission was accomplished with the Wildcats winning the first two games of franchise history.
The Cats won in a shootout victory 3-2 on Friday night, and rallied in the third period of Saturday's game to win 6-5.
Friday's game was close all the way through, with regulation ending in a 2-2 tie. The game then went to a shootout where Goaltender Tom Billick was flawless, denying each penalty shot that was taken. Kyle Kraemer and Niklas Flodin both netted goals in the shootout giving the Wildcats the win. Nick Klaren and Derek Hansberry scored the first two goals for the Wildcats in the victory. Skylur Jameson, Kevin Huck, and Niklas Flodin all contributed assists on the day.
The Wildcats trailed 4-2 heading into the third period of Saturday's game when they got a spark from defender Jarrett Runey. Runey charged up his team at the opening of the third period when he went to blows with a Central Texas player. The fight gave the Wildcats an emotional boost and ignited a four-goal third period. Several Wildcats contributed to the win with Kevin Huck and Chris Ochoa each accounting for 3 total points. Each player scored 1 goal and had 2 assists. For Ochoa, it was the first goal of his junior hockey career. Kyle Kraemer had two goals, including the game winner. Chad Costello also netted 2 goals on the day. Jack Wolgemuth, Jeremy Dalpe, and Dave Lewandowski each added 1 assist in the victory.
There were many bright spots in the Wildcats sweep this past weekend. Goaltender Tom Billick collected 2 wins, and accounted for 39 total saves. Runey proved to be an emotional booster for the Wildcats, going toe to toe with a Central Texas player, not only on Saturday, but Friday as well. Kevin Huck led all scorers with four points over the weekend.
The Wildcats competed in two close games and were able to persevere and win both games. Head coach Brian Meisner was pleased with this effort and said, "This was a good test for us, going into close games and coming away with two key wins."
The Wildcats host their next home game Friday, October 29, at 7:05 p.m. versus the Central Texas Marshals.
The Wildcats have added two new faces to their roster. David Lewandowski, a 6-foot-1, 200 pound forward from Glenmoore, Pennsylvania, was obtained in a trade with the Helena Bighorns for future considerations. In 20 games with the Bighorns last season, Lewandowski accounted for four goals, three assists, and 32 penalty minutes.
Head coach Brian Meisner said, "We are very excited about David. He is a big, strong forward who brings some needed size and experience to our team."
The Wildcats also obtained the rights to Nick Ghidina from the Soo Kewadin Indians for future considerations. Ghidina, a 5-foot-10, 205 pound defender from Perkins, Illinois brings size and experience to the Wildcats. "He is a hard working defenseman who brings a strong skating style and energy to our team," said Wildcats assistant coach Mike Perkins. "We are excited to have him here and he will add experience to our defensive core."
North American Hockey League Stories from October 21, 2004
- Phantoms Win Again at NAHL Showcase - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
- Six-point weekend lifts Toledo's Scalici to Sher-Wood NAHL Offensive Player of the Week - Alpena IceDiggers
- Kaufmann's two wins earn Sherwood-NAHL Defensive Player of the Week honor - Fairbanks Ice Dogs
- Huna brothers league Bobcats to 1-1-1 weekend - Bismarck Bobcats
- Blizzard win two extra-session thrillers at home - Alexandria Blizzard
- Another pair of wins for Jets - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
- Wildcats sweep Marshals - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- 2004 NAHL Showcase is on - NAHL
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