K-WINGS TOP FUEL 4-2 TO TAKE FIFTH STRAIGHT VICTORY

Indianapolis, IN.-  A third period tally from Kyle Thomas put the K-Wings ahead for good on Friday night as Kalamazoo claimed their fifth straight victory, topping Indy 4-2.

Kyle Thomas extended his scoring streak to an ECHL-high eight games. Brendan Bradley notched a two-point game, giving the forward points in each of his last five games, and goals in his last four. Michael Neal scored for the second straight night, with both goals coming against his former team. Jake Hildebrand won his career-high seventh consecutive start. Kalamazoo now sits in third place in the Central Division with 50 points.

It took less than a minute for former Fuel captain Michael Neal to feel back at home at Indiana Farmer’s Coliseum. The K-Wing forward netted his second goal of the season only 0:31 into the opening frame, giving the K-Wings a 1-0 lead. Reid Gardiner connected with Neal in the high slot before Neal snapped a shot into the top corner. Four minutes later the Indy power play struck to even the game. Josh Shalla wristed a shot from the right point past Jake Hildebrand to even the score at 1-1.

Brendan Bradley struck for the third straight game in the second period, pushing the Kalamazoo lead to 2-1 after 40 minutes of play. Kyle Blaney put a pass in the perfect spot for Bradley as he one-timed the puck past Tomkins for his fourth goal of the season.

Indy tied the game once again in the third period as Matthew Thompson put a back-hand past Hildebrand, knotting the game at 2-2. Five minutes later Kyle Thomas struck for the eighth straight game, putting the K-Wings back in front. Thomas wristed the puck low to the blocker side, putting the K-Wings up 3-2 with just under five minutes left to play. Reid Gardiner would tack on the empty netter in the last minute of play to give the K-Wings their fifth straight victory, 4-2.

Jake Hildebrand, winning his seventh straight start, stopped 27 of 29 shots faced.

Kalamazoo is back in action tomorrow night taking on the Kansas City Mavericks for the first time this season. Puck drop is set for 8:35pm ET.

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.