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The Kalamazoo Wings (23-17-0-0) traveled to Worcester, Massachusetts this past weekend to take on the Railers (16-19-2-1) for a three game set.
Things got off on the wrong foot Friday night as the Railers ran over the K-Wings by a score of 5-2. After jumping out to an early 1-0 lead in the first on a goal by Greg Betzold, the Railers scored three consecutive goals to take a 3-1 lead at the end of the first two periods.
Logan Lambdin opened the third period with a bang, by scoring his 16th of the season just 16 seconds into the period, but the Railers Blake Christensen netted a pair of goals later in the period, to give the Railers a 5-2 victory. The K-Wings came up empty on three power play chances while the Railers scored one on their three chances.
Saturday and Sunday saw the K-Wings do what they do best, come from behind to steal the victory from their opponents.
After a scoreless opening period on Saturday, the Railers Nick Albano gave the home team a 1-0 lead, scoring on the power play. The 1-0 score held until Matheson Iacopelli was able to take a pass from Justin Taylor and put it into the net to tie the game with just under three minutes to go in the game.
Neither team was able to end the game in regulation, forcing the three-on-three overtime. Just 53 seconds into the extra frame, Iacopelli returned the favor by helping set Taylor up for the game winner.
Trevor Gorsuch and Colton Ellis were stellar in net stopping 33 of 34 and 34 of 36, respectively.
The two teams wrapped up their three-game weekend series on Sunday afternoon in another low-scoring affair.
The Railers took a 1-0 lead midway into the opening period on a goal by Will Cullen. Lambdin found the back of the net midway into the second to tie the game 1-1. The score held into the final minute of the game when Kyle Blaney took the puck on a breakaway, storming down the ice toward the net. After firing his shot toward goaltender Ken Appleby, it appeared he was going to make the save, but the puck trickled over the goal line to give the K-Wings a 2-1 victory.
The K-Wings won four out of five games on their two-week road trip.
The K-Wings return home this Wednesday night as they host the Wheeling Nailers at 7 PM. It will be a 2-6-9 night. Beers and pop will be $2 each, $6 Wings baskets and $9 tickets. If the K-Wings win, fans can redeem their ticket stub for free tickets to the next weeknight game on March 8th.
The K-Wings remain home for their annual Pink Ice Night as they take on the Indy Fuel. During the game, the K-Wings will be honoring breast cancer survivors. Hot dogs, pop and beer will be $2 from 6 pm – 8 pm.
K-Wings News and Notes:
Familiar Face Returns: Eric Kattelus, who played for the K-Wings from 2011-2020, has signed to return to the team. Kattelus did not play last season when the K-Wings opted out of play due to COVID.
Kattelus, 34, is returning for his 10th season in Kalamazoo, compiling 287 points (81G, 206A) in 418 games played for the team. Kattelus is currently No. 6 in K-Wings franchise history for games played (418), No. 8 in assists and No. 12 in total points.
“There’s absolutely no other team I’d consider playing for,” Kattelus said. “Kalamazoo is where I started my career, and where I want to finish it. I’m truly going to enjoy every moment.”
With an assist in Saturday night’s game, Kattelus moved into a tie with Kevin Evans for 11th all time in K-Wings history for points scored (288).
Milestones: Forward Matheson Iacopelli played in his 100th career ECHL game on Saturday night. Athletic Trainer Scott Allison worked his 850th professional game on Sunday.
Submitted by Mark McGlothlen
