Zherenko Perfect in 40 Minutes; Wolf Pack Take Preseason Win

October 4, 2023 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Springfield Thunderbirds News Release

Springfield Thunderbirds' Vadim Zherenko on game night
(Springfield Thunderbirds)

The T-Birds struck just 2:57 into the game to take a 1-0 lead. Alex Fortin intercepted a loose puck in the neutral zone and led a 2-on-1 into the Hartford zone. Fortin found Anthony Beauregard on the left side with a cross-crease pass, and Beauregard lifted a backhand up over the shoulder of Olof Lindbom.

Vadim Zherenko got the nod in the Springfield net and was terrific in the opening frame, stopping all 16 shots that came his way.

The teams traded power play chances in the second period, with the two teams both mustering single-digit shots on net. Through 40 minutes, there was no change in the 1-0 score.

Hartford finally broke even to begin the third, rudely greeting Colten Ellis with a wrister from Ryan McCleary that sneaked over Ellis' blocker arm just over two minutes into the third. Moments later, at 3:35, seconds after going to the power play, Seth Barton flipped a point shot through heavy traffic that found the back of the, giving Hartford its first lead, 2-1.

With just over three minutes to play, Tanner Dickinson tied it for Springfield with a power play goal of his own to send the game to overtime tied, 2-2.

After a scoreless and uneventful extra period, Hartford got the win in the shootout as Ryder Korczak beat Ellis on a backhand deke, while Boyko did not allow a goal to Dickinson, Mikhail Abramov, or Mitch Hoelscher.

The T-Birds continue their preseason slate on Friday night on home ice against the Providence Bruins. Opening Night of the regular season pits Springfield against Hartford on Saturday, Oct. 14 at 7:05 p.m. at the MassMutual Center.

Fans can reserve their seats to be part of the Thunderbirds' hockey action for the 2023-24 season by calling (413) 739-GOAL (4625) or visiting www.SpringfieldThunderbirds.com.

-- SPRINGFIELD THUNDERBIRDS -

Springfield Thunderbirds' Vadim Zherenko on game night

American Hockey League Stories from October 4, 2023

• Wolf Pack Edge Thunderbirds 3-2 in Shootout in Preseason Opener - Hartford Wolf Pack
• Phantoms' Roster Bolstered by Philly Arrivals - Lehigh Valley Phantoms
• Zherenko Perfect in 40 Minutes; Wolf Pack Take Preseason Win - Springfield Thunderbirds
• Duarte Hitting the Mark - Calgary Wranglers
• Dallas Recalls Forward Kyle McDonald from Texas - Texas Stars
• Anaheim Ducks Announce Roster Moves - San Diego Gulls
• The Battle Begins: Jake Bischoff on Training Camp, Upcoming Season - Henderson Silver Knights
• Ottawa Senators Assign Five Players to Belleville - Belleville Senators
• Penguins Blank Bears for Second Preseason Shutout - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
• Bears Open Preseason with 3-0 Loss to Penguins - Hershey Bears
• San Diego Gulls Sign Forward Ben King to One-Year Contract - San Diego Gulls
• Iowa Wild Announces Five-Year Lease Extension with Polk County and OVG360 - Iowa Wild
• Colorado Avalanche Assigns Five to Eagles - Colorado Eagles
• Texas Stars Open Training Camp in Cedar Park - Texas Stars
• IceHogs Open Preseason at Riverview Ice House vs. Wild - Rockford IceHogs
• Preseason Game Preview: Bears at Penguins, 10:30 a.m. - Hershey Bears

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