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KALAMAZOO- If the Kalamazoo Wings (13-15-2-1) continue playing into the New Year like they did to end the last, things could get real interesting in the ECHL’s North Division.
Taking on the first place and affiliated player heavy Cincinnati Cyclones (19-10-2-0) for the 11th Annual New Year’s Eve Bash at Wings Stadium on Monday, the K-Wings used a full court press to skate away with a 3-2 victory in front of 3,755 fans.
The K-Wings came out flying in the first period outshooting the Cyclones 17-7. Both teams scored a goal in the opening frame, with the K-Wings hitting the scoreboard first as Alexander Mallet scored his third of the season. Garrett Wilson scored for the Cyclones later in the period.
A scoreless second period gave way to a wild final period that gave the K-Wing faithful a reason to celebrate.
Josh Shalla gave the Cyclones the lead early in the third period with his 13th of the season.
On Saturday night against the Toledo Walleye, the K-Wings scored two goals in 55 seconds. The K-Wings improved on that feat by scoring a pair of goals just 41 seconds apart on Monday night, even as they received a little help from the Cyclones net minder Brian Foster on the second one.
Eric Kattelus started the K-Wings comeback with his 11th goal of the season, which is a career best for him. The goal by Kattelus was scored on the power play.
Just 41 seconds later, an Aaron Clarke shot bounced off the wall and toward the goal. Foster skated out to play the puck but had to hurry back to the net as the puck ricocheted toward the goal line. As Foster attempted to protect the net, the goal slid under his leg and was pushed across the line for the K-Wing tally and eventual 3-2 victory.
The K-Wings outshot the Cyclones 37-32 on the night.
K-Wings News and Notes
Milestone Achieved: With his assist on the Kattelus goal, Sam Ftorek reached 600 points in his career.
Upcoming Games: The K-Wings continue their three-game home stand with a pair of games this weekend. On Friday, the Toledo Walleye will come to Wings Stadium on “Singles Night”. The game is also another FANomenal Friday which feature $2 beer, $1 Pepsi products and $2 Popcorn Fish Bites. The Evansville IceMen return on Saturday night which is also “Bad Bridesmaid Dress” night. Both games begin at 7:30 pm.
