K-Wings end 2011 in style

KALAMAZOO, MI – The Kalamazoo Wings said goodbye to 2011 in grand fashion by putting an end to their season long five-game losing streak. The K-Wings lost to the Chicago Express in overtime on Friday night by a score of 4-3.

In front of the largest crowd of the season, 4,407, the K-Wings trounced the Toledo Walleye by a score of 7-1, which was also the largest margin of victory for the team this season.

Riley Gill shined between the pipes for the K-Wings as he turned away 35 shots in route to his 12th victory of the season. Gill, who turned 27 on New Year’s Day, carried a shutout into the third period before the Walleye scored their lone goal with just under five minutes left in the game.

Twelve of the K-Wings 16 skaters scored at least a point in Saturday night’s rout of the Walleye. Darren Archibald led the scoring with two goals and an assist while Brandon Svendsen scored a goal and added two assists. Also scoring goals for the K-Wings were Sam Ftorek, Trent Daavettila, Darryl Bootland and Bryan Haczyk.

The K-Wings scored twice on the power play while the Walleye scored their only goal on the man advantage.

With a record of 17-11-0-2, the K-Wings lead the North Division by two points over the Express. The Cincinnati Cyclones are in third place while the Walleye are in last.

The K-Wings remain at home for two games this weekend. On Friday, the Greenville Road Warriors come to town for another Frugal Fan Friday. Hot dogs, Pepsi products and beer are only $1. The Trenton Titans battle the K-Wings on Saturday night which is also “Elvis” night. There will be a $100 prize for the best Elvis costume for both adults and children. Both games begin at 7:30 PM.

K-Wings News and Notes

Transactions/Injury Update: K-Wing players in the AHL: Forwards Ryan Del Monte and Dean Strong; Defenseman Joe Charlebois and Joe Sova. Wes O’Neill, Kory Karlander, Elgin Reid and Nick Sirota are all on injured reserve.

Streakin’: Darryl Bootland is currently riding a nine game point scoring streak. During his latest streak, Bootland has scored four goals and seven assists.

Lovin’ Home Ice: With their New Year’s Eve win, the K-Wings are 9-5-0-0 when playing at Wings Stadium.