Hildebrand Stops 30 as K-Wings Blank Nailers

Hildebrand, K-Wings Blank Nailers 2-0

Netminder Makes 30 Saves in Shutout

December 1, 2018

For Immediate Release

Wheeling, WV. – Jake Hildebrand stopped all 30 shots he faced and the Kalamazoo power play scored twice as the K-Wings blanked the Nailers 2-0 on Saturday night securing their third straight victory.

The shutout was Hildebrand’s first since January 27, 2017 when he was playing for the Indy Fuel. Justin Taylor now has goals (4g) in each of his last three games. Reid Gardiner has points in each of his last three games, including three points (2g, 1a) in the last two games.

After neither team was able to score in the opening period, Kalamazoo struck first for the third straight game. On the man-advantage Justin Taylor headed to the front of the net and took advantage of loose puck in front. Falling down, Taylor tucked the puck past Danny Tirone scoring his 14th of the season, and giving the K-Wings a 1-0 lead. That lead would hold as the teams headed into the second intermission.

The lead doubled in early in the third period. On the man-advantage again, Reid Gardiner found a rebound at the left post, directing the rebound into the net giving Kalamazoo the 2-0 lead. Gardiner’s tally was all the K-Wings needed as Jake Hildebrand stopped all 15 shots he faced in the third, and all 30 he faced throughout the game as Kalamazoo skated out with a 2-0 victory.

The K-Wings finished the night two-for-four on the power play, while holding the Nailers scoreless on three chances.

Kalamazoo returns home next weekend to begin a busy December with a three-in-three all at home.

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

Wings Event Center, owned and operated by Greenleaf Hospitality Group, is home to the Kalamazoo Wings professional hockey team and a full entertainment venue offering concerts, sporting events, family shows and trade shows. Built in 1974, Wings Event Center values partnerships with the community to bring events and attractions that enrich the lives of residents in the Kalamazoo area.