ICE WOLVES RECORD FIRST FRANCHISE SWEEP

Nov 9, 2019

The Ice Wolves ended their first weekend series versus Topeka on a high note in front of a sellout crowd. The next meeting between these two teams is not until Jan. 31st and Feb. 1st. Topeka came into the weekend in first place and left in second place. The Ice Wolves started the weekend with three points and ended with seven.

The Ice Wolves were coming off of their first ever win on home ice and looking for their first sweep. Neither team was able to gain an edge until Philip Ekberg (3) fired a missile past Guy Blessing on the power play. Right before the end of the period the Ice Wolves added to their tally as Spencer Rudrud (4) wristed one far side on Blessing. The Ice Wolves went into the locker room with a 2-0 lead but were outshot 13-7.

In the middle frame both teams had multiple opportunities to score but only the Ice Wolves were able to convert. Alex Gomez was able to go on a break away with under five minutes left in the period and beat Blessing for his first ever NAHL goal. Shots after 40 minutes read 22-17 in favor of Topeka.

In the final period of regulation the Ice Wolves could sense a sweep but they had to fight off a shooting frenzy from the Pilots for nearly the entire period. The Pilots put up 20 shots in the third compared to the Ice Wolves seven. In the final two minutes of the game there were three goals. The Ice Wolves though scored only one. It came in the form of an empty net, after Zach Frisk passed it to Michael McCosh. That goal marked McCosh’s first NAHL goal. Both goals for Topeka came in the final minute and were off of the same stick, Dominic Sandoval. Putting an end to Henrik Laursen’s opportunity at his first NAHL shutout and the first shutout for the Ice Wolves. He did however pick up his first NAHL win after stopping 40 shots.

Topeka concluded the weekend series with 12 power plays and zero power-play goals. The Ice Wolves went 2/9 on the man-advantage. New Mexico will look to extend their two-game win streak against the Amarillo Bulls next weekend. It will be “Blackout Weekend” at the Outpost so make sure to wear black as the Ice Wolves will be wearing their away jerseys. The games will mark the fourth-straight weekend on home ice for the Ice Wolves. To secure your tickets for next weekend click here.