LATE BAD BOUNCE HELPS ROCKFORD EDGE IOWA 3-2
Oct 21, 2015Wild Returns Home For Big Weekend With the Texas Stars
ROCKFORD, IL – The Iowa Wild (1-3-1-1, 4 points) were defeated by the Rockford IceHogs (2-3-0-0, 4 points) 3-2 in front of 1,874 fans at the BMO Harris Bank Center on Wednesday night. Rockford’s Tanner Kero took advantage of a bad bounce in the Iowa zone, scoring with 4:51 left in regulation and breaking a 2-2 tie. Kero led the Icehogs with two goals and one assist. Rockford goalie Michael Leighton (2-2-0) made 16 saves as the Hogs snapped a three-game losing skid. Despite making 36 saves on 39 shots, Iowa goalie Jeremy Smith (0-3-1) remains winless this season. Wild forward Christoph Bertschy and defenseman Maxime Fortunus each scored in the loss. Iowa returns home next to play Texas at 7 p.m. on Saturday.
After a scoreless first period, the IceHogs claimed a 1-0 lead at 2:03 of the middle frame. Captain Brandon Mashinter poked a rebound past Iowa goalie Jeremy Smith for his first goal of the season. The power-play goal was assisted by defenseman Ville Pokka and Tanner Kero. Iowa countered at 5:28 with a power-play goal by rookie Christoph Bertschy. Defenseman Gustav Olofsson held the puck in at the right point before sending a cross-ice pass to Mike Reilly. The Iowa defenseman ripped a shot to the Rockford net that Bertschy tipped past goalie Michael Leighton for his second goal of the season and a 1-1 score. The IceHogs regained the lead at 14:29 as Kero beat Smith with a wrist shot from the left-wing circle. Kero’s fourth of the year squeezed between the pads of Smith for the 2-1 Rockford lead. Forward Jeremy Morin had the lone assist as Rockford carried a 2-1 lead into the second intermission.
Iowa tied the score 2-2 with 5:50 remaining in the third period. Defenseman Maxime Fortunus blasted a shot from the slot, scoring his goal with the Wild. Forwards Michael Keranen and Jordan Schroeder each had a hand in the goal by the Wild Captain. Rockford managed to move back in front at 15:09 of the final frame with a second tally of the night by Kero, with an errant bounce off the end boards in the Wild zone. The puck hopped over the stick of Smith, who came out of his crease to play it. Kero picked up the loose puck and scored before Smith could get back into position, making it a 3-2 decision.
The Iowa Wild returns home on Saturday Oct. 24 when the Texas Stars come to Wells Fargo Arena for a 7 p.m. puck drop. Saturday night’s game will include a coat drive and celebration of Pheasants Forever. The first 1,500 fans to the game receive a Wild hunting-themed baseball hat courtesy of Gander Mountain, Federal Premium Ammunition, and Pheasants Forever. The two teams rematch on Sunday Oct. 25 at 3 p.m. Sunday will also be “Pucks and Paws” day at Wells Fargo Arena. Fans are invited to bring their dogs to attend the game. The first 500 fans with their dog in attendance will receive an Iowa Wild themed dog bowl mat courtesy of Anderson Animal Hospital and Lazer 103.3. For every Sunday game Subway and Star 102.5 FM offer a combo pack starting at $12. The combo pack includes one ticket, one hot dog, one soda, and one subway coupon.
Fans may purchase single-game tickets multiple ways, either through the team's website – www.Iowawild.com, the Wells Fargo Arena box office or participating Hy-Vee food stores. Tickets are available online at www.Iowawild.com under the single game tickets tab. The Wells Fargo Arena box office is open Monday – Friday from 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and closed on Sunday. For Saturday game days, the box office will open at 10 a.m. For Sunday game days the box office will open at 12 p.m. Fans may also purchase tickets by calling 1-844-55-HYVEE or by visiting participating Hy-Vee food stores locations in the greater Des Moines area. Those interested may also visit www.hy-veetix.com. Fans interested in buying full season, or smaller season packages may call the Iowa Wild front office at 515-564-8700.
The Iowa Wild 2015-16 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 its 2015-16 season 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.
Follow the Iowa Wild on Twitter @IAWILD or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/iawild.
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