Evansville, Ind. – The Evansville IceMen maintained their third period lead against the Kalamazoo Wings on Saturday night at the Ford Center. The IceMen were owners of a 4-1 lead with 7:49 remaining in regulation when the Wings scored twice in a matter of 12 seconds. Evansville ultimately secured their fifth victory in their last five home games.
IceMen Right Winger Jason Dale, the game’s first star, tallied the game-winning goal 3:54 in the third period. Dale’s sixth goal of the season was assisted by Right Winger Trent Vogelhuber and Defenseman Jesse Perrin. The second point of the game for Dale gave the IceMen the 4-1 lead.
Kalamazoo Left Winger Alexander Mallet found the back of the net for the first time this season at the 13:11 mark of the third period, cutting the Evansville lead to two at 4-2. A mere 12 seconds later, Kalamazoo Left Winger Aaron Clarke, the game’s second star, made it a one-goal game with 7:37 remaining in regulation. The Wings were unable to muster another third period goal to force overtime as the IceMen walked away with the victory. Kalamazoo’s Clarke finished the game two goals on the game.
The IceMen scored three opening period goals for the first time this season, with the first coming from Left Winger Matt Schepke, who wondered upon his first goal of the season. Assists were credited to IceMen Center Nathan Moon and Forward Dylan Clarke. Evansville’s Clarke was the game’s third star with two points (1G, 1A).
Evansville’s second goal was established by Right Winger Patrick Kennedy 10:58 into the initial frame. Kennedy’s seventh of the season was assisted by Dale and Vogelhuber. The IceMen owned a 2-0 lead within the game’s first eleven minutes.
Completing the first period trifecta for the IceMen was Dylan Clarke at the 15:43 point of the period, answering a Kalamzoo goal that came from Aaron Clarke 13:05 into the first period. Dylan Clarke’s ninth goal of the season came from Schepke, who earned his second point of the period.
Evansville took a 3-1 lead into and out of the second period, and are now (10-1-2) when leading after two periods this season.
IceMen Goaltender Paul Karpowich got the win on his way to a .889 save percentage after saving 24-of-27 shots faced. Kalamazoo Goaltender Joel Martin was strapped with the loss. He saved 28-of-32 shots, accumulating a .875 save percentage.
Evansville outshot the Wings 32-27 on Saturday, and have now outshot both opponents this weekend at home. The IceMen power play unit went 1-for-2 on the night, and 2-for-5 on the weekend. Evansville’s penalty killing unit halted all six Kalamazoo power play opportunities on Saturday, and allowed three power play goals on 14 opponent opportunities on the weekend.
Evansville improves its record to 31(11-17-3) on the season and are now tied with the Kalamazoo Wings, 28(11-14-3), for fourth place in the North Division with 25 points. The IceMen are (5-3-2) in the month of December.
The IceMen will host the Elmira Jackals for the first time on Friday, Dec. 28 at 7:15 p.m. at the Ford Center. The game will be broadcasted by ‘Magic 98.5’ FM and 1400 AM WEOA, as well as the rest of the IceMen Radio Network.
