SAN ANTONIO SLIPS PAST IOWA 5-4 IN A SHOOTOUT
Nov 30, 2014SAN ANTONIO SLIPS PAST IOWA 5-4 IN A SHOOTOUT
Iowa Goalie Josh Harding Has Record Setting Debut
SAN ANTONIO, Tex. – The Iowa Wild (5-14-1-1, 12 points) were defeated by the San Antonio Rampage (13-7-1-0, 27 points) 5-4 in a shootout in front of 3,383 fans at AT&T Center on Sunday. In a game that featured four lead changes, the Rampage extended its unbeaten streak to nine games (8-0-1-0) by outlasting the Iowa Wild in a shootout. Goalie Josh Harding (0-0-1) made his Iowa debut with a team record 50 saves in regulation, as well as one save in the shootout loss. He made 17 saves in the opening frame, his first game action since Dec. 31, 2013. Defenseman Mathew Dumba, as well as forwards Tyler Graovac, Jason Gregoire and Jordan Schroeder each scored in regulation. Forward Michael Keranen posted his second straight multi-point night with two assists and the Wild slipped to winless over the last three games (0-2-0-1). Forward Mark Mancari scored the decisive shootout goal to help San Antonio pick up the win. Rampage goalie Michael Houser (5-2-1) stopped 36 of 40 in regulation, and two of three attempts for the shootout win. Iowa continues five-game road trip next Saturday with a visit to Charlotte at 6 p.m. (CST).
The Wild struck for the period’s only goal, with Jordan Schroeder scoring 7:24 into the game. Forward Tyler Graovac carried the puck down the right-wing side and centered a pass to the Rampage crease. Goalie Michael Houser made the initial save, but Schroeder squeezed the puck past Houser for the 1-0 lead. Defenseman Christian Folin added an assist on Schroeder’s fifth goal of the year. The Rampage outshot the Wild 17-10, but Iowa goalie Josh Harding made 17 saves in his first period of action since, Dec. 31, 2013, a 2-1 St. Louis win at Minnesota.
San Antonio tied the game up just 2:06 into the second period. Forward MarK Mancari snapped a pass for Drew Shore, connecting at the Iowa blueline. Shore moved in and wristed a shot past Harding for his fifth goal of the year. Forward Rocco Grimaldi added an assist on a goal that tied the game 1-1. The Rampage pushed in front at 8:04 of the middle frame off a power-play goal by Mancari. The Rampage forward picked up a rebound off the end-wall and stuffed it past Harding for the 2-1 lead. Defenseman Alex Petrovic and Shore each had an assist on Mancari’s fifth goal of the season. Iowa tied the game 2-2 at 9:29 of the second period, as defenseman Mathew Dumba scored his first AHL goal. Forwards Brady Brassart and Michael Keranen picked up the assists, setting up Dumba for a one-timer. The Rampage moved back in front at 3-2, with its second straight power-play goal at 11:25. Right wing Bobby Butler scored his team-leading ninth goal of the year to push San Antonio back in front. Defensemen Mackenzie Weegar and Steven Kampfer each had an assist on the goal. Iowa answered back at 12:21 of the middle frame, as center Tyler Graovac scooped up a turnover in the Rampage zone and rifled a shot past Houser for his seventh goal of the year and a 3-3 tie.
The Wild moved in front 4-3 at 5:42 of the third period, as newcomer Jason Gregoire potted a shot for his first goal of the year. Keranen found the puck in the Rampage zone and spotted Gregoire in front for the scoring play. The Rampage countered back at 7:49, tying the game 4-4 off Ryan Martindale’s goal. Defenseman Greg Zanon sprung Martindale for the opportunity and the winger scored his third goal of the year.
After a scoreless overtime, the two teams went to a shootout to decide the winner. The Wild went one for three, as Zack Phillips scored the team’s lone shootout goal. Bobby Butler and Mark Mancari each scored to lift San Antonio with two goals on three shootout attempts.
Iowa continues a five-game road trip on Dec. 6 and 8 with a stop in Charlotte. The Wild returns home for a two-game series against the Rampage on Thursday, Dec. 11 on Friday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. Thursday’s game is a Throwback Thursday, where fans can purchase popcorn for $1.00, sponsored by 95.0 KGGO. For Friday’s game, the Wild will hold a Teddy Bear Toss and feature $2 beers presented by 100.3 The Bus. For Teddy Bear Toss, fans are encouraged to throw new stuffed animals onto the ice after the Wild scores its first goal. The stuffed animals will be collected and donated to local charities. Iowa then hosts Adirondack at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14. After the game, the Wild will hold a postgame autograph session with the team. The game is also a Subway Family Four Pack night, where fans can purchase four tickets, four hot dogs and four sodas starting at $48.
The Iowa Wild 2014-15 season is presented by Mercy Medical Center, it runs from October through April. Fans may purchase seats to see any of the team’s 38 regular season home games at Wells Fargo Arena. Season tickets to see the Wild play at Wells Fargo Arena start at just $9 per game. For more information on tickets, including ticket plans and group seating, please contact the Wild ticket office by calling 515-564-8700 or go to www.iowawild.com.
-- IOWA WILD --
· BECOME AN IOWA WILD SEASON TICKET HOLDER
For more info on season ticket packages call 515-564-8700 or email nick.woods@iowawild.com
· IOWA WILD IN THE COMMUNITY
To schedule a Wild appearance, contact Jenna Bieri, marketing and community relations manager, at 515-564-8714 or email jenna.bieri@iowawild.com.
· IOWA WILD CORPORATE SPONSORSHIPS
To create a customized advertising package for your company contact Brian Mather, VP of Sales, at 515-564-8720 or email at brian.mather@iowawild.com.
###