IOWA SLAMS ROCKFORD 5-2
Nov 9, 2013Box Score - HERE
IOWA SLAMS ROCKFORD 5-2
Iowa Returns Home Nov. 13 To Begin Six-Game Home Set
Rockford, IL – The Iowa Wild (6-5-0-0, 12 points) defeated the Rockford IceHogs (8-7-1-0, 17 points) 5-2 in front of 4,082 fans at the BMO Harris Bank Arena on Saturday night. Five different goal scorers and four-power play goals helped the Wild end its three-game losing skid and move a game above .500. Defenseman Brian Connelly helped lead the charge with three power-play assists. Iowa’s penalty kill was also pivotal in the victory, stopping six of seven extra man advantages, including three consecutive 5-on-3 IceHogs’ power plays in the second period. Forwards Taylor Matson, Stephane Veilleux, Brett Bulmer and Warren Peters also scored, as the Wild improved to 3-1-0-0 on the road this season. Defenseman Jonathon Blum also scored and added an assist in the victory. Iowa goalie Johan Gustafsson (3-1-0) made 32 saves for the win. Rockford goalie Antti Raanta (6-5-0) suffered the loss with 14 saves. The Wild begins a six-game homestand with Chicago on Wednesday at 7:05 P.M.
Iowa jumped out to a 1-0 lead just 3:01 into the contest with a power-play goal by Warren Peters. Wild forward Zack Phillips and defenseman Brian Connelly worked the puck around the IceHogs zone. The play was finished when Connelly found Peters down low on a cross-ice feed. Peters snapped a wrist shot past Antti Raanta for his second goal of the season. Iowa added to its lead at 11:55 when defenseman Jonathon Blum blasted a slapshot past Raanta for his first goal of the season. Forward Jason Zucker and Connelly were credited with the assist. Connelly sent a pass cross-ice to Blum, who launched a shot from the top of the left-wing circle, beating Raanta glove side for the power-play goal. The IceHogs countered to trim the deficit to 2-1 at 15:31 of the period. Garret Ross carried the puck behind the Iowa net and slipped out to the bottom of the right-wing circle. Ross fired a shot through traffic and beat goalie Johan Gustafsson. Joakim Nordstrom had the lone assist on Ross’ third goal of the season.
The second period was filled with penalties, which led to three consecutive 5-on-3 power plays for the IceHogs. Rockford connected as its last power play was nearing expiration. Phillip Danualt buried a rebound for his second goal of the year at 16:06 of the middle frame. Defenseman Adam Clendening and forward Klas Dahlbeck each had an assist on the 5-on-4 power-play goal, tying the game 2-2. The IceHogs were awarded five power plays in the second period. Iowa used its fourth power play of the evening to push back in front. Forwards Kris Foucault and Tyler Graovac each had a hand in setting up the goal. Graovac slipped a drop pass to the high slot for Brett Bulmer, who beat Raanta with a one-timer. Bulmer’s fourth goal of the year gave the Wild a 3-2 lead heading into the final period. Raanta suffered and injury and only finished the second period, ending his night with 14 saves on 17 shots. He was replaced by Kent Simpson.
Early in the third, Iowa forward Jason Zucker was whistled for a major penalty (check to the head) 55 seconds into the final frame. After the Wild killed off the penalty, forward Taylor Matson jumped out of the penalty box and found a loose puck at center ice. He raced in alone and snapped a wrist shot past goalie Kent Simpson at 6:04, pushing the Wild lead to 4-2. Iowa continued to pour it on in the third period with the team’s fourth power-play goal of the game at 10:49. Forward Stephane Veilleux lifted a backhand shot over Simpson for his first goal of the season. Defensemen Blum and Connelly each had an assist on the goal, giving Iowa a 5-2 lead.
The Wild returns for a six-game homestand, which begins on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 7:05 PM against the Chicago Wolves. The Wild will also welcome San Antonio on Friday, Nov. 15 at 7:05 PM. Friday night’s game is a $2.00 Beer Night, featuring $2.00 ten-ounce drafts, presented by 100.3 The Bus. Fans are encouraged to bring new or gently used winter coats for the team’s clothing drive, presented by G & L Clothing. Fans who make a donation will be rewarded with tickets to an upcoming Iowa Wild home game. The team will conclude a weekend set on Saturday, Nov. 16 with the Milwaukee Admirals at 7:05 PM. The first 1,500 fans (12 and under) will be given an Iowa Wild Youth Jersey. Fans may purchase the Subway Family Four Pack for the game, which features four tickets, four hot dogs, four sodas and Subway coupons starting at $44. Iowa will host Grand Rapids on Friday, Nov. 22. The Wild concludes its homestand with Abbotsford on Nov. 23 and Nov. 24.
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 regular season is presented by Mercy Medical Center. 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.
· BECOME AN IOWA WILD SEASON TICKET HOLDER
For more info on season ticket packages call 515-564-8700 or email ticketing@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 Ed Chamberlain, VP of corporate sales, at 515-564-8704 or email at edward.chamberlain@iowawild.com.
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