News release
24 March 2007
Kalamazoo goaltender Tom Askey denies Elmira forward Dan Veenema from close range.
Elmira, NY The Kalamazoo Wings swept their two-game weekend series with the Elmira Jackals earning a 4-2 victory Saturday night at First Arena.
Playing in his first ever professional game, Kalamazoo rookie Doug Conley scored on his first pro shot, scoring a power play goal at 3:21, assisted by Paul Caponigri and Lucas Drake. The Jackals out-shot the K-Wings 12-8 in the first period, but could not beat starter Tom Askey who was spectacular.
In the second period Elmira finally got a shot behind Askey. Center Glenn Detulleo snapped a low wrist shot under the blocker of the Kalamazoo goaltender at 10:45, assisted by Kim Brandvold and Bobby Kukulka, tying the game 1-1. But the K-Wings stole the momentum right back when Lucas Drake scored just 12 seconds later at 10:57, regaining their lead 2-1.
Again the Jackals labored to tie the game and again they found the equalizer when Mike Oliveira scored his first goal in a Jackals uniform at 5:57 of the third period, banging home a pass from Yevgeny Lazarev for a power play goal; Joe Markusen had the second assist on the goal. However, Kalamazoo again had the answer. Jason Lawmaster caught Elmira off guard and poked home a fluky goal a mere 17 seconds later at 6:14, putting the K-Wings back in the lead 3-2. Kory Karlander then padded the visitors lead with his 41st goal of the season at 11:44, assisted by Tyler Kindle, capping off a 4-2 Kalamazoo victory.
For the second straight game Tom Askey earned the win in goal for Kalamazoo, his 25th of the season, as he made 30 saves on 32 shots to help the K-Wings improve to 41-21-6 on the year. Dave Lemanowicz took the loss for Elmira, stopping 29-of-33 shots as the Jackals fell to 27-42-1 on the season. Elmira was 1-for-7 on the power play, while Kalamazoo was 1-for-3.
The Jackals will hit the road next week, beginning on Wednesday, March 28th in Kalamazoo at Wings Stadium. Elmiras next home game is on Wednesday April 4th as they host the Port Huron Flags for a 7:05 pm face off at First Arena.