WILD TAKES DOWN NORTH DIVISION LEADING UTICA 2-1
Jan 3, 2015WILD TAKES DOWN NORTH DIVISION LEADING UTICA 2-1
Iowa Goalie John Curry Continues Strong Play – Stops 27 of 28
UTICA, NY – The Iowa Wild (12-20-1-1, 26 points) defeated the Utica Comets (22-7-5-0, 49 points) 2-1 in front of 3,835 fans on Saturday night at Utica Memorial Auditorium. Wild forward Jordan Schroeder scored once and set up the game-winning goal early in the third period. Iowa goalie John Curry (6-6-0) made 27 saves on 28 shots, picking up his fifth win over his last six starts. Rookie Zack Mitchell scored the game-winning goal 3:52 into the third period, as Iowa handed Utica only its third loss at home this season. Comets goalie Joacim Eriksson (12-4-4) made 15 saves, as the North Division leaders suffered its league-low seventh regulation loss of the season. Utica forward Will Acton also scored in the defeat, as Iowa improved to 6-10-1-1 on the road this year. Iowa continues a four-game road trip in Texas on Friday at 7:30 p.m.
After a scoreless first period, Iowa claimed the game’s first lead at 1:06 of the second period. Marc Hagel picked up the lone assist on Schroder’s 10th goal of the year and a 1-0 Iowa lead. Schroeder tipped a long shot by Hagel, then scooped up the rebound and beat Eriksson from just to the left of the goal crease.
Iowa expanded its lead to 2-0 off a rebound goal by Zack Mitchell at 3:52 of the third period. Defenseman Jon Blum carried the puck deep on the right side and slipped a pass to the front of the Utica net. Mitchell jammed in a rebound after multiple attempts for his ninth goal of the year. Schroeder added an assist on the play. Utica cut the deficit in half with Will Acton’s tally at 11:43 of the third period. Left wing Hunter Shinkaruk and center Alex Friesen each had an assist on Acton’s fourth goal of the year and a 2-1 Iowa lead.
Iowa remains on the road with four straight games to start the New Year. After stops in Rochester, Utica, Texas and San Antonio from Jan. 2-11, the Wild returns home on Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 7 p.m. to face the Chicago Wolves. The team celebrates Taco Tuesdays against Chicago, presented by Taco John’s. It’s also a two-for-one Tuesday, where fans may purchase one (1) attack end ticket and receive a second ticket free, sponsored by Hits 99.9 FM. Also, those that bring a Subway receipt may purchase a ticket for $5. After a trip to Rockford on Friday, Jan. 16, Iowa returns home for a three-game home stand starting at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17 with the Lake Erie Monsters. Iowa is holding a sport equipment drive in its first game with Lake Erie, sponsored by Scheels. For each item donated, the fan receives a ticket voucher for a future game. The drive benefits Courage League Sports. The first 1,000 fans receive an Iowa Wild Piggy Bank, presented by Mercy.
On Sunday, Jan. 18, the Wild and Monsters meet again at 3 p.m. Also on Sunday, the Wild celebrates Kids WinterFest, featuring Xbox Dance Revolution, face painting, balloon artists and a sign station, presented by Fast Signs. The first 1,500 youths to the game (12 and under) receives an Iowa Wild green youth jersey, presented by KDSM FOX 17 & Scheels. The team is also hosting its first ever Baby Derby, presented by Me & Mommy To Be. Fans will be able to watch the baby’s crawl to see which is the fastest in central Iowa. Fans will also be able to purchase the Subway Combo Pack, presented by Subway and 104 More. The Subway Combo Pack includes one ticket, one hot dog, one soda and a Subway coupon, starting at just $12. The Wild also hosts a public skate after the game, presented Grip Tite. All fans are reminded to bring their skates.
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.
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