THE WILD WIRE - #4
Oct 29, 2019Well, this past weekend in Tucson didn’t go as planned.
Able to earn just one of a possible four points, the Iowa Wild hit a bit of adversity for the first time this season.
But, let’s be honest here: the Tucson Roadrunners are a good hockey team. And the Wild were right there with them both nights. The two games were well played, fast-paced, physical and featured a total of 146 shots. It was damn good hockey.
Iowa was held to one goal in both games, as the team’s inability to finish off its scoring chances played a big role in not winning either contest.
No need to panic, though. Forwards Gabriel Dumont and Gerry Mayhew have since returned from Minnesota. Ditto for goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen, so the Wild will be at full capacity come Wednesday night against the Griffins.
NEVER ENDING ROADIE
I know I’m getting old, but it feels like this seven-game road trip has been going on forever!
All told, the Wild are in the midst of a 25-day span without a home game. Here’s a breakdown of this franchise record-tying seven-game swing:
- 12 days traveling to/from or actually in a road city
- 5 different opponents/cities (including a trip to Canada)
- 3 different time zones
Wild fans will be chomping at the bit for the School Day Game on Nov. 7 vs. the Chicago Wolves.
ON THE MEND
Windstar Lines’ sleeper bus was packed to the gills earlier today (Tuesday) as the team left Des Moines for its first stretch of road games in the Midwest. In addition to the 20 players who will dress plus a couple of extra healthy bodies, the club’s injured players are at the point now where they are skating and nearing a return to the lineup.
Center Luke Johnson has been out since opening weekend, as he was injured the day before the first game. He’s with the team on this trip and shooting for a return to action in November.
Defenseman Keaton Thompson got hurt October 11 against the Texas Stars. But he’s on the trip as well, with his rehab progressing nicely.
And finally, second-year forward Mason Shaw, who suffered an ACL injury in the Calder Cup Playoffs, is also with the team on this trip. As Coach Army has previously stated, Shaw is more likely slated for a late December/early January return. However, he’s been cleared to skate for a couple of weeks now and is making progress. An injury of his severity takes time, of course, but it’s good to see him back traveling with the group.
SOKOLOV TO ALLEN
Dmitry Sokolov joined the Allen Americans this weekend in an effort to get him some game action. A seventh-round pick by Minnesota in 2016, the 21-year-old Russian has played in just one game with Iowa this season. With the club’s current depth up front, it makes sense to get him some ice time and the Americans will provide him with that chance.
Allen plays Friday and Saturday at home against the Rapid City Rush.
Sokolov has recorded 31 points (17g, 14a) in 63 career AHL games. Friday night would mark his ECHL debut.
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Have a safe and fun Halloween! Don’t forget to tune in on 1460 KXNO and AHL TV for Wild road games on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
- Wild Joe Radio