Wildcats Win Two Against Avalanche
November 1, 2006 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Wichita Falls Wildcats News Release
The Wildcats had a three game home stretch this past weekend, and came out ahead of the Avalanche, winning two of the three games. The Wildcats have now moved two points ahead of Alaska in the NAHL South Division and currently sit in 5th place, only one point behind Fairbanks.
Thursday night was a tough loss for the Wildcats as they fell to the Alaska Avalanche 4-2. The Cats got on the board first at the 12:07 mark when Sean Nealon scored a short-handed goal, giving them the 1-0 lead going into the first intermission. The Avalanche team would come out with force the second period and were able to slip two past Heeter and take the lead 2-1. The Cats would not be let down as they nailed the Avalanche goal with sixteen shots. However, the Avalanche goalie was on top of his game, and the Cats were only able to capitalize on one shot, at the 16:09 mark, when Michal Hrtus scored off an assist from Kyle Olsen, tying the game. Alaska would go on a powerplay before the frame ended and scored with ten seconds left, giving them the 3-2 lead. The third stanza was played evenly by both teams, but the Avalanche were able to score one more, giving them the win 4-2.
Friday night was an exciting game as the Wildcats beat the Avalanche 3-2 in overtime. The Cats came out strong and scored their first goal only two minutes into the game. Joel Sauer was the one to get the Cats on the board first off an assist from Ville Aman. The first frame was played evenly, but, with only one second left in the first period, the Avalanche were able to slide the puck past Billick and tie the game 1-1. Thomas "Choo Choo" Billick was on top of his game tonight and was able to stop twelve of the Avalanche's thirteen shots during the second stanza. However, at the 17:46 mark, the Avalanche were able to score again, and took the lead 2-1. The Wildcats were aggressive during the third period and pelted the Avalanche goal with thirteen shots, to their five. With only ten seconds left in the game, Sean Nealon and Joel Sauer were able to set up Adam Cardwell, who capitalized on the play and tied the game 2-2. The game would go into overtime, and once again, with only ten seconds left before the game would go into a shootout, Mike Schumacher would set up Michael Hrtus, who would place the puck in the back of the net and give the Wildcats the 3-2 win.
Saturday night, the Wildcats were on top of their game as soon as they hit the ice. At the 3:11 mark of the first period, Michal Hrtus would score a powerplay goal to give the Cats the lead, which they would continue to hold throughout the rest of the game. Then, with only four minutes left in the first frame, Luke Salazar would score the Cats second goal, and they would lead 2-0 going into the first intermission. The game was played evenly with both teams taking an equal amount of shots. The Avalanche would come out in the second frame and score a goal of their own to tighten the gap. Billick was on top of his game, stopping 22 of the Avalanches 24 shots, and the Wildcats offense was unstoppable. At the 14:43 mark, the Cats would go on a powerplay, and Sean Nealon was able to capitalize on the opportunity. Then, only a few minutes later, Joel Sauer would slide the puck past the Avalanche goalie on another powerplay and give the Cats a 4-1 lead. Alaska would score their second and last goal of the game 4:32 into the final frame. The Cats weren't done yet though, and with three minutes left in the game, Kyle Olson would score another powerplay goal giving the Cats the 5-2 victory.
Come watch the Wildcats in action Thursday, November 2 as they take on the St Louis Bandits. This season, Thursday night home games are also Powerade Power Zone night and for only $5 you receive a ticket, free t-shirt, and a voucher for a free coke (limited seating is available). The Wildcats also play Friday, November 3, and Saturday, November 4, against the St Louis Bandits. All games will be held at the Kay Yeager Coliseum and the puck drops at 7:05 pm.
North American Hockey League Stories from November 1, 2006
- Third Period Alpena Flurry Drops Team USA - U.S. National Team
- Phantoms' Zapolski named NAHL North Division Player of the Week - NAHL
- Bald People of the Red River Valley Unite - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
- U.S. Nat'l Under-17 Team Plays Home-And-Home Series With Alpena - U.S. National Team
- Wildcats Win Two Against Avalanche - Wichita Falls Wildcats
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