Wings Clip TC in Shootout

Published on January 16, 2012 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Traverse City North Stars News Release


KALAMAZOO - Michal Toman's equalizer with just 2:44 left in regulation gave the Traverse City North Stars a point on Sunday afternoon against Kalamazoo, but they couldn't collect a second, dropping a 4-3 shootout thriller at Wings West Arena.

The North Stars never led in the game - save for a few moments in the post-overtime shootout session - and battled back from one-goal deficits thrice, including Toman's (Prievidza, Slovakia/TC North Stars NAHL) game-extending, over-the-glove wrister.

Kalamazoo scored early in both the first period - just 55 seconds in - and second (1:48 in). Will Badner (Cadillac, MI/Motor City NAHL) made it a 1-1 contest at 9:12 of the first with a backhand-to-forehand five-holer, and captain Jared Van Wormer (Traverse City, MI/TC North Stars NAHL) made it 2-2 with a quick response to the K-Wings' second one-score advantage. The hosts reclaimed their edge late in the second, setting up Toman's heroics.

After a scoreless overtime in which both teams enjoyed quality chances, Kyle Schempp (Saginaw, MI/Compuware U18/Ferris State) opened up the shootout with a conversion, but it was the only tally in five chances for TC. The Wings scored in both the fourth and fifth rounds of the shootout to claim the victory.

Badner and Sean Murphy (Cary, NC/Tri-City USHL) - who had a pair of assists - led the way with two points each, with Eric Rivard (Traverse City, MI/TC North Stars NAHL), Alexander Taulien (Crystal Lake, IL/TC North Stars NAHL), and Robert Wiener (Williamston, MI/TC North Stars NAHL) collecting an assist apiece. Kyle Laslo (Fenton, MI/Osoyoos KIJHL) made a season-high 43 saves for the Stars.

Traverse City (16-11-5) wrapped up a stretch of nine straight road games, and will return to Centre ICE arena on Tuesday for a rematch with the K-Wings at 6:35 p.m. Tuesday also marks the 'Sticks and Steaks' event at Centre ICE. The occasion, part of The Fox-FM and You-FM's Chef Tours, features a gourmet pregame dinner in the Centre ICE community room prepared by Executive Chef Eric Nittolo of The Boathouse restaurant, with wine pairings by Bowers Harbor Vineyards.

The dinner menu consists of shrimp cocktail, wedge salad with house-cured bacon and loaded bleu cheese dressing, and Prime rib with roasted garlic potato puree. A dessert of tiramisu truffle will be served in the Scouts' Lounge during the first intermission. To register for the dinner, visit 943thefoxfm.com or 1067youfm.com. For more info, visit traversecitynorthstars.com.

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North American Hockey League Stories from January 16, 2012


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