IOWA WILD TAKES DOWN CHARLOTTE 3-1

IOWA WILD TAKES DOWN CHARLOTTE 3-1

Iowa Takes First Road Game in Team History 

Charlotte, NC – The Iowa Wild (2-1-0-0, 4 points) defeated the Charlotte Checkers (2-1-0-0, 4 points) 3-1 in front of 9,021 fans at Time Warner Cable Arena on Saturday night. Iowa goalie Johan Gustafsson (2-0) stopped 33 Checkers shots for his second straight victory in only his second pro start. Gustafsson carried a shutout halfway through the third period before surrendering the only goal of the night. The goal against ended his shutout streak at 113:51. Forwards Tyler Graovac and Zack Phillips each scored in the team’s first road game of the season. Rookie forward Taylor Matson’s goal 5:20 into the third period proved to be the game winner. Checkers forward Chris Terry scored Charlotte’s lone goal while goalie Mike Murphy (1-1) took the loss with 24 saves. The two teams will meet again on Sunday at 12:30 p.m. (CT) in Charlotte.

In the first period, Iowa took advantage of its second power play of the night at 16:02. Defenseman Jonathon Blum snapped the puck to the Charlotte net from the blueline. While providing a screen in the Checkers crease, rookie Tyler Graovac redirected the shot past goalie Mike Murphy. Forward Erik Haula picked up the second assist on the first power-play goal in team history. The 1-0 lead came off Graovac’s first career goal.

After a scoreless second period, the Wild struck for its second goal of the night at 5:20 of the third period. Forward Taylor Matson scooped up a loose puck at the Charlotte blueline and snapped a shot over the left shoulder of goalie Mike Murphy for his first goal of the season and a 2-0 Wild lead. The Checkers found the net at 13:51 of the final frame, trimming the deficit to 2-1. Left wing Chris Terry blasted a one-timer from the right-wing circle, beating Iowa goalie Johan Gustafsson for his first goal of the season. The goal ended Gustafsson’s shutout streak at 113:51. Iowa regained its two-goal lead at 17:02, Jake Dowell and Brian Connelly worked the puck to the Checkers slot for Zack Phillips. The second-year forward snapped a wrist shot past Murphy for his first goal of the season and a 3-1 Iowa lead.

Prior to the game, Iowa Wild General Manager Jim Mill announced the team has assigned goalie John Curry to the Orlando Solar Bears, Iowa’s ECHL affiliate.

Iowa concludes a two-game set on Sunday at 12:30 p.m. (CT) in Charlotte. The Wild will return home on Thursday, Oct. 24 to host the Chicago Wolves at 7:05 p.m. The game marks the beginning of a five-game home stand for the Wild who will also host the Grand Rapids Griffins on Sunday, Oct. 27 at 5:05 p.m. The game will feature the Subway Family Four Pack, with four tickets, four hot dogs, four hats, four sodas and four popcorns, starting at $44. The game on Oct. 27 will also feature a Halloween Costume Party for fans and a postgame skate.

Fans may purchase single game tickets multiple ways, either through the team's website – www.Iowawild.com, Wells Fargo Arena box office or Dahl's Ticketing. Tickets are available online at www.iowawild.com under the single game tickets tab.  Fans may also purchase tickets by calling 1-866-55-DAHLS (32457) or by visiting one of 13 Dahl's Food Stores locations in the greater Des Moines area, and in Ames. In order to purchase group tickets (10 or more), please call the Iowa Wild ticketing department at 515-564-8700. Fans interested in buying full season, or smaller season packages may call the Iowa Wild front office at 515-564-8700.

The Iowa Wild begins its Inaugural season, presented by Mercy Medical Center, in October of 2013. Season tickets to see the Wild play at Wells Fargo Arena start at just $9 per game. For more information on tickets, please contact the Wild ticket office by calling 515-564-8700 or go to www.iowawild.com.

 

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