STARS DOUBLE UP WILD 4-2
Oct 11, 2014STARS DOUBLE UP WILD 4-2
Wild Returns To Des Moines for Home Opener on Friday
Cedar Park, TX – The Iowa Wild (0-2-0-0, 0 points) were defeated by the Texas Stars (1-0-0-0, 2 points) 4-2 in front of 6,863 fans at Cedar Park Center on Saturday night. Stars goalie Jussi Rynnas (1-0-0) made 20 saves on 22 shots and the defending champs opened their season with a two-goal victory at home. Defensemen Julius Honka and John Klingberg netted power-play goals to push the Stars past the Wild. Iowa forwards Brady Brassart and Tyler Graovac each scored in the defeat. Defenseman Jon Blum set up both tallies, giving him four assists in two games. Wild goalie John Curry (0-1-0) stopped 32 of 36 shots in the loss. Iowa returns home for Opening Night with the Milwaukee Admirals at 7 p.m. on Friday Wells Fargo Arena.
Iowa claimed a 1-0 lead at 10:19 of the first period off a power-play goal by center Tyler Graovac. Forward Jordan Schroeder and defenseman Jon Blum sprung Graovac in the neutral zone. The second-year forward split the Texas defense at the blueline and walked in alone on goalie Jussi Rynnas. Graovac slipped a backhander between the legs of Rynnas for his first goal of the year and a 1-0 Iowa lead.
Texas stormed back with a three-goal second period, starting with Curtis McKenzie’s first goal of the season at 7:26. Forwards Brett Ritchie and Travis Morin each helped set up McKenzie’s goal that made it a 1-1 game. Texas moved in front 2-1 at 10:49 of the middle frame off Justin Dowling’s first goal of the season. Defensemen Maxime Fortunus and Derek Meech each had an assist on the play. Fortunus set up Dowling for a redirect in front of the Iowa net, beating John Curry for the Stars’ second goal of the night. Rookie defenseman Julius Honka made it a 3-1 game at 19:36 of the third period, scoring his first AHL goal. The young defender launched a shot from the right point, feathering the puck through traffic and past Curry. Dowling and Brendan Ranford had the assists on the tally.
Iowa closed the deficit to 3-2 at 5:34 of the third period after Brady Brassart scored his first goal of the year. Blum and forward Michael Keranen set up the tally, as Brassart beat Rynnas with a wrist shot from the left-wing circle. Texas closed out the scoring with a power-play goal at 16:33 of the third period. Defenseman John Klingberg finished off a one-timer from Travis Morin for the 4-2 lead. Defenseman Maxime Fortunus added an assist on the play.
The Wild begins a four-game home stand with opening weekend on Friday, Oct. 17 and Saturday, Oct 18 at 7 p.m. against the Milwaukee Admirals. The first 5,000 fans to Friday’s game will receive a 2014-15 Magnetic Schedule, compliments of Hicklin Garage Doors. Fans may also enjoy a $2 Beer Night, presented by 100.3 The Bus. On Saturday, the team celebrates Local Heroes Night and the first 5,000 fans will be handed an Iowa Wild 2014-15 poster schedule. The annual Guns-N-Hoses game takes place on Saturday, Oct. 18 with games at 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. at Wells Fargo Arena. The following weekend, Iowa welcomes the Charlotte Checkers for a two-game set at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24 and Saturday Oct. 25. Friday the 24th is College Night, featuring $2 beers, presented by the 100.3 The Bus. Saturday night is Youth Sports Night, where the first 1,500 youths (12 and under) receives a White Iowa Wild home jersey, compliments of NASH FM.
The Iowa Wild 2014-15 season is presented by Mercy Medical Center and begins on the road Oct. 10 in San Antonio. Fans may purchase seats to the Home Opener on Friday, Oct. 17 against the Milwaukee Admirals 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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