Friday, the Ice Wolves went up against the only undefeated team left in the NAHL, the Lone Star Brahmas. With New Mexico searching for their first franchise win it was imperative to get out of the gate early against the 6-0 Brahmas. The first period was by far the best period for the Ice Wolves as they were able to get eight shots on Ludvig Persson. Unfortunately, they would only combine for six total shots through the next forty minutes of play. As for Lone Star while they only managed to put up four record shots in the first period, they were however able to score. The Brahmas entered the middle frame and poured on the shots on the Ice Wolves newest acquisition, Josh Langford, totaling for 13. Two of those shots came from Michal Stinil off breakaways. With just 20 minutes left to go in regulation and down by three the Ice Wolves gave it everything they had. Although most of their shots were blocked by the veteran Brahmas defense. Lone Star was able to win an offensive zone draw and get a quick cross-crease pass to Joe Baez for their fourth goal of the game. The score would remain 4-0 after the horn sounded resulting in another loss for the Ice Wolves and extending the unbeaten streak of Lone Star to seven.
Less than 24 hours both teams were back on the ice for Game 2. The first period saw no scoring but a lot of back and forth between the two South Division foes. Shots after the first period favored Lone Star, 11-7. In the middle period the Brahmas were able to end the scoreless game by tacking home three goals past the Buffalo, NY native, Josh Graziano. With the first two coming from the power play. The second period also saw a fight between Michael McCosh (Ice Wolves) and Brendan Westbrook (Brahmas). There was also an ejection as John Garvey was accessed a five-minute major for cross checking along with a game misconduct. The Ice Wolves were able to kill off the major penalty but not the ones that followed that resulted in the two goals. In the third period it was all Lone Star as they were capitalizing on every little thing and finding the back of the net with ease. The Brahmas recorded eight goals throughout the final period of regulation. With only one being on the power play. After 60 minutes of action the Brahmas recorded their third-straight shutout to increase their unbeaten record at 8-0. Goaltender, Cayden Bailey, stopped all 15 shots New Mexico threw at him. Making it his second shutout in his first three games in the NAHL.
A few things to note from the weekend. The Brahmas entered the weekend with the best power-play-percentage in the league at over 53%. They went 3/8 through the two games. The most impressive part is that they were not able to manage a goal during the five-minute major in the second period on Saturday. Also, Lone Star travels to Amarillo this coming Friday and Saturday before coming to New Mexico for the game a 3 p.m. on HockeyTV. The Ice Wolves will have Friday and Saturday off and will be well rested going into the matinee game on Sunday. Look for that game to be a historic game for the Ice Wolves as not only will it be NM Ice Wolves Day but also hopefully the first ever win in New Mexico Ice Wolves history! Click here to purchase your tickets.