FUEL TAKE GOALTENDER DUEL 2-1 IN SHOOTOUT

Indianapolis, IN.- The K-Wings picked up a point on Friday night but fell in the shootout 2-1 on Friday.

Kalamazoo remains in third place in the Central Division, three points ahead of the fifth place Fuel.

The first two periods featured a goaltender’s dual as Ivan Kulbakov and Matt Tomkins combined to make 41 saves, holding the game at a 0-0 score through 40 minutes. In the third period the Fuel got on the board 7:12 into the frame as Matthew Thompson’s shot from the high slot trickled past Kulbakov to give Indy the initial lead. Late in the period with the power play the K-Wings pulled the goalie in favor of the extra attacker. In front of the net Michael Neal found a loose puck and tapped it past Matt Tomkins, tying the game at 1-1. The tie persisted through the end of regulation and overtime sending the teams into a shootout.

In the skills competition Indy elected to shoot first. After two scoreless rounds Ryan Rupert scored what would be the only goal in the top of the third round. Matt Tomkins stopped all three Kalamazoo shooters as the K-Wings fell 2-1 to the Fuel.

Ivan Kulbakov finished the night stopping 25 of 26 shots while suffering the shootout loss, while Matt Tomkins stopped 31 of 32 in the victory.

 Kalamazoo Wings full 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.

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