ECHL Kalamazoo Wings

Wings Win Overtime Thriller in Front of Martin's 45 Saves

Published on December 17, 2016 under ECHL (ECHL)
Kalamazoo Wings News Release


Wings Win Overtime Thriller in Front of Martin's 45 Saves
Wings Win Overtime Thriller in Front of Martin's 45 Saves
(Kalamazoo Wings)

KALAMAZOO, MI- Joel Martin had a season-high 45 saves and Justin Taylor notched three points as the Kalamazoo Wings defeated the Orlando Solar Bears, 3-2, in overtime on Saturday night at Wings Event Center.

Even though they were being heavily outshot, Kalamazoo struck first as they generated pressure in the late minutes of the opening period. Tyler Shattock's long slap shot was kicked away by Orlando goalie Kasimir Kaskisuo, but Anthony Camara was in the right place at the right time to cash in on the rebound on the doorstep.

Five minutes into the second period, Orlando got on the board with Eric Faille's 12th of the season. Faille moved into the Kalamazoo zone along the right wing and wound up with a screaming slap shot that beat Martin over the glove, tying the game at one.

Kalamazoo regained the lead minutes later and operating on their first power play try of the game. Straight off a faceoff win, Taylor angled a perfect pass to Tanner Sorenson, who had enough room in the slot to lift his head, and spot an open corner to deposit the puck and put the Wings ahead, 2-1.

As the second period progressed, Orlando displayed a fast-paced counter attack and Brett Findlay was sprung for a breakaway feed by Denver Manderson. Findlay skated in and made a series of dekes that drew Martin off his line and Orlando tied the game at two through the first 40 minutes.

The third period was dominated by Kalamazoo, with the Wings steering a season-high 21 shots towards the goal in the frame. Kaskisuo stopped all of Kalamazoo's efforts and the game went into an overtime session tied at three.

With under a minute remaining in the extra period, Taylor was fed behind the Orlando defense by Sorenson, and sealed the winner with a rising backhand that slipped over the glove of the Orlando netminder and earned Kalamazoo the victory.

Next: Kalamazoo vs. Quad City Mallards- Sunday, December 18, 3 p.m., Wings Event Center.

Broadcast information: Sunday's game will air on AM 1660 The Fan in Kalamazoo or online at www.1660thefan.com/listen-live.

Notes: Martin won his 193rd career game with the Wings, leaving him three shy of tying the all-time franchise record that's held by Georges Gagnon... Martin's 45 saves set a season high for a Kalamazoo goaltender... Kalamazoo's 21 shots in the third period set a new season high for a single-period shot total... Taylor led Kalamazoo with three points on the night... Kalamazoo's power play went 1/3 and the penalty kill went 6/6.

Single-game tickets are on sale! Tickets start as low as $10 and can be purchased at www.kwings.com/tickets/schedule or at the Wings Event Center box office.

Wings Event Center, owned and operated by Greenleaf Hospitality Group, is home to the minor league hockey team Kalamazoo Wings and a full entertainment venue offering concerts, sporting events, family shows and trade shows. Built in 1974, Wings Event Center values partnerships with the community to bring events and attractions that enrich the lives of residents in the Kalamazoo area.

Check out the Kalamazoo Wings Statistics

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Wings Win Overtime Thriller in Front of Martin's 45 Saves
Wings Win Overtime Thriller in Front of Martin's 45 Saves
   



ECHL Stories from December 17, 2016


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