Wings Top Komets on Schamehorn's Night

Kalamzoo, MI.-  On a night dedicated to Kevin Schamehorn the K-Wings kicked off the home portion of the 2018-19 schedule on a high note, defeating the Ft. Wayne Komets 2-1 on Friday night.

Both Kyle Thomas and Chris Collins scored for the second straight game, while Chad McDonald netted an assist for the second straight game. Defenseman Brandon Anselmin led all scorers with two points, both assists.

Prior to the game the K-Wings retired the number 26 jersey worn by Kevin Schamehorn in front of 3,631 at Wings Event Center. The ceremony marked the first time in 38 years that the organization had retired a number.

After a delayed start the Wings got things off to a fast start scoring just 0:15 into regulation. Chris Collins gathered the puck at his own blue-line before breaking into the offensive zone on the left wing. Cutting towards the net, Collins snapped a quick shot that quickly sizzled to the top corner, beating Lukas Hafner to the glove side. Collins second goal of the season gave the K-Wings the lead on the first shot of the night. That goal would stand-up for over 25 minutes as the lone tally, before Ft. Wayne would get on the board.

In the second period the Komets took advantage of a rebound to knot things up. Anthony Petruzelli positioned himself in front of the net, finding his own rebound and tucking it past Jake Hildebrand to tie things up at 1-1. The teams found themselves in a deadlock again that lasted till the last five minutes of regulation.

With time winding down and the game tied at 1-1 it was former Komet Kyle Thomas who played hero, and put Kalamazoo back on top. After a faceoff win in the defensive zone, Brandon Anselmini lobbed the puck up the ice. Thomas picked it up on the right wall, before wristing a shot low to the blocker side of Hafner breaking the tie. Thomas’ second goal in as many games gave the K-Wings the lead that would stay for good, as they topped Ft. Wayne 2-1.

In net Jake Hildebrand stopped 30 of 31 shots claiming his first victory of the season, while Lukas Hafner stopped 26 of 28 for the Komets. Both teams concluded the night 0-for-4 on the man-advantage.

Ft. Wayne and Kalamazoo wrap up the season series on Saturday night in Ft. Wayne.

Kalamazoo Wings single game and season tickets are available now! More information can be gathered at www.kwings.com/seasontickets.