The Aberdeen Wings, proud members of the North American Hockey League were in NAHL Pre-Season action with two exhibition games against the Topeka Roadrunners of the NAHL South Division.
Friday, game one, the Wings took an early 2-0 lead thanks to goals from rookies #22 Colin Raver (F-Bartlett, IL) and #4 Eric Moser (D-Chicago, IL). The Wings would hang on for the win thanks to 21 saves from rookie goaltender #35 Andrew Shortridge (G-Eagle River, AK).
Saturday, game two, the Wings fell down 2-0 in the first period. Wings head coach Francis Anzalone brought the team out of the tunnel with a great approach scoring three goals in the 2nd period and holding on through the 3rd for a 3-2 victory. Scoring goals for the Wings were veteran #16 Kyle Haak (F-Okemos, MI), returner #10 Tanner Okeson (D-Roseau, MN), and rookie #29 Matt Sherman (D-White Lake, MI). Wings veteran goaltender #1 Chad Catt (G-Williamstown, MI) recorded 29 saves in the game.
"I thought our guys played a spirited two games in Topeka," said Wings head coach Francis Anzalone. "The Roadrunners are consistently one of the top teams in the NAHL and this was a good measuring stick for our group."
The Wings now return home to continue Training Camp. Coach Anzalone looks forward to getting his team back onto the ice at the Odde Ice Center.
"There are a number of areas we need to improve in," added Anzalone. "But I liked the effort not only on the compete side but also on the execution side."
The Aberdeen Wings will travel next week to Blaine, Minnesota for the 2014-2015 NAHL Showcase. The Wings will play four games against non-division opponents. These games are the official start of the 2014-2015 NAHL season. The Wings home opener will be Friday, September 26th against the Bismarck Bobcats.
NAHL SHOWCASE – Blaine, MN – SCHEDULE
Wed, Sept 17 – Aberdeen vs. Johnstown Tomahawks
Thu, Sept 18 – Aberdeen vs. Michigan Warriors
Fri, Sept 19 – Aberdeen vs. Keystone Ice Miners
Sat, Sept 20 – Aberdeen vs. Coulee Region Chill
All games at the NAHL Showcase will be broadcast on the official radio station for Wings hockey, 94.1 The Rock (FM). Fans can also stream live audio from their computer, android, or iphone by going to the home page of the Aberdeen Wings website. You can also watch/listen on FASTHockey.com.
Select season tickets are still available. Get the best seats in the house by contacting Aaron Smith, Director of Marketing at 605-380-5852 or asmith@aberdeenwings.com. Would your business like to become a corporate partner of the NAHL Aberdeen Wings? Contact Director of Business Operations Pete Sauer at 218-820-5049 or psauer@aberdeenwings.com!
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