IOWA BEATS LAKE ERIE IN OT 4-3
Jan 18, 2015IOWA BEATS LAKE ERIE IN OT 4-3
Graovac’s Penalty Shot in OT Propels Iowa to Victory
DES MOINES, IA – The Iowa Wild (15-23-1-1, 32 points) defeated the Lake Erie Monsters (16-16-3-3, 38 points) 4-3 in overtime in front of 6,331 fans on Sunday at Wells Fargo Arena. With the game tied 3-3 in overtime, forward Tyler Graovac scored on a penalty shot, lifting the Wild past the Monsters. Forwards Jason Gregoire and Marc Hagel, as well as defenseman Jonathon Blum, each also scored for Iowa in win. Iowa goalie John Curry (8-7-0) made 33 saves on 36 shots in the win. Forwards Colin Smith, Andrew Agozzino and Sam Henley scored for the Monsters. Lake Erie goalie Reto Berra (1-1-1) stopped 28 of 32 shots in the loss. Iowa finishes a three-game homestand against Rockford on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. Iowa finishes a three-game home stand against Rockford on Thursday, Jan 22 at 7 p.m.
The Wild opened up the scoring early in the first period when forward Jason Gregoire scored at the 35-second mark. Gregoire fired a wrist shot past Lake Erie goalie Reto Berra for the 1-0 lead. Forward Jordan Schroeder assisted Gregoire on his sixth goal of the season. Forward Marc Hagel extended Iowa’s lead just over two minutes later, scoring at the 2:39 mark of the period. Hagel’s eighth goal of year was set up by forwards Kurtis Gabriel and Brady Brassart, putting the Wild up 2-0. The Monsters answered with a goal from rookie forward Sam Henley at 3:11 of the period, making it 2-1 Wild. Defenseman Maxim Noreau aided Henley for his third goal this season.
Iowa increased its lead at the 4:07 mark of the second period when defenseman Jonathon Blum scored on a power play. Blum launched a slap shot from just past the blueline for the 3-1 lead. Defenseman Danny Syvret and Brassart assisted Blum on his fifth goal this year. Lake Erie drew within one goal when forward Colin Smith scored at 12:26 of the period, making it 3-2 Wild. Smith’s ninth goal this season was aided by defenseman Duncan Siemens and forward Ben Street.
In the third period, forward Andrew Agozzino tied the game at 3-3 with a power-play goal at the 9:20 mark. Forward Mike Sgarbossa and Noreau set up Agozzino for his eighth goal this year, sending the game into overtime.
With 1:32 into overtime, Tyler Graovac was pulled down and awarded a penalty shot. Graovac scored on the penalty shot, giving the Wild a 4-3 victory.
Iowa finishes its three-game home stand on Thursday, Jan. 22 against Rockford at 7 p.m. It is also a Throwback Thursday game, where fans may purchase hot dogs for a dollar, sponsored by 95 KGGO. Also on Thursday, fans may send pictures to the Wild (via social media) of themselves in hockey jerseys or while skating, for a chance to win prizes. Additionally, those who bring a Subway receipt may purchase a ticket for $5 at the box office.
After stops in Milwaukee and Grand Rapids, Iowa heads into the All-Star break. Aftet the mid-season classic, Iowa returns home to face Grand Rapids on Thursday, Jan. 29 at 7 p.m., kicking off a three-game home stand. It’s also a Throwback Thursday, where fans may purchase sodas for one dollar, presented by 95 KGGO. On Friday, Jan. 30, the Wild hosts the Hamilton Bulldogs at 7 p.m. Also on Friday, Iowa celebrates Military Appreciation Night, where the first 1500 fans receive camou koozies, sponsored by NASH 92.5. Friday’s game is also a $2 Beer Night, presented by 100.3 The Bus. Fans may purchase 10-ounce domestic beers through the first period of play. Iowa finishes its home stand against Hamilton on Saturday, Jan. 31 at 7 p.m. The Wild will also hold AHA Heart Day, where the first 2500 fans receive mini sticks, presented by ABC 5 WOI-TV.
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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