FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 7, 2025
K-WINGS EDGED BY HEARTLANDERS IN GRITTY MATCHUP FRIDAY
Kalamazoo keeps pressure high throughout, but Iowa defense and goaltending come up big for the win.
KALAMAZOO, MI – The Kalamazoo Wings (16-24-1-1), proud ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Vancouver Canucks, battled to the final minute in a one-goal game with the Iowa Heartlanders (25-14-4-3) Friday at Wings Event Center, ultimately falling 4-1.
Ben Berard (13) started the scoring at the 15:34 mark of the first period. He gathered a loose puck in the left circle after Iowa’s goalkeeper tried to clear it away and flung it off a Heartlander defender into the open net.
Iowa punched back with a goal at the 17:21 mark. The Heartlanders took the lead with a power-play goal at the 5:43 mark of the second, skating 5-on-3.
Kalamazoo had numerous scoring chances, but Heartlanders netminder William Rousseau (12-2-3-1) was stellar in preserving the lead. Iowa added two empty-net goals in the final minute to seal the victory.
Jonathan Lemieux (9-14-1-0) put up a third straight stellar performance, making 27 saves on 29 shots faced in defeat.
Kalamazoo hosts Iowa again Saturday at 7:00 p.m. at Wings Event Center for Grateful Dead Night. The first 1,000 fans will receive a limited edition K-Wings Tie-Dye Cup, and stick around after the game for the specialty jersey auction, with proceeds benefitting South Kalamazoo County Fire Authority. Get your tickets HERE.
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Pink Ice is just around the corner, as Kalamazoo will host Bloomington on Feb. 14 at Wings Event Center for the 24th annual game on the pink surface! All fans will receive a K-Wings ‘Fearless Fighter’ T-Shirt, and it will be a $3 Friday, presented by Bud Light, so you can enjoy $3 Beers, Sodas & Hot Dogs! Get your tickets HERE.
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The Kalamazoo Wings are a professional hockey team located in southwest Michigan that has been a staple in the Kalamazoo, MI professional sports landscape since 1974. The K-Wings compete in the ECHL and are the AA affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Vancouver Canucks and the American Hockey League’s Abbotsford Canucks. Kalamazoo plays their 36 regular season home games at Wings Event Center from October through April.
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