Wingels helps Sharks break losing streak

WORCESTER, Mass. – A first goal is always special, but for Worcester’s Tommy Wingels, it could not have come at a better time.
 
The rookie, who started the season in the NHL with San Jose, netted his first professional goal with 5:36 to play to lift the Sharks to a 4-3 win over Norfolk Sunday afternoon at DCU Center.
 
The win ended a three-game losing streak for Worcester (2-2-1-1), which also beat Norfolk (5-2) for the first time in three tries this season.
 
The 22-year-old Wingels, who signed with the Sharks’ organization in March after playing for Miami University, showed everything the Sharks expected from him on his goal. He blocked a shot at the Worcester blue line, regained his skates, and raced down the right wing on a 2-on-1 with fellow rookie Justin Braun. Wingels hesitated for a fraction of a second – just enough to freeze Admirals’ goalie Cedrick Desjardins – before rifling a wrist shot over Desjardins’s left shoulder.
 
“It’s a great way to get a first goal,” Wingels said. “We lost a tough game (a 4-3 OT loss to Providence on Saturday) and needed a win (Sunday). I’m just happy I could help the team get a win, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say getting that goal felt great.”
 
The Sharks expect a lot out of Wingels, who was a captain at Miami and was named the Central Collegiate Hockey Association’s top defensive forward. Wingels also netted 17 goals and 25 assists in helping Miami reach the Frozen Four for the second straight year.
 
“Tommy definitely brings a lot to the ice,” Sharks’ coach Roy Sommer said. “He does so many things well. He already has played well for us, but once he gets used to the pro game, he is going to be an excellent player.”
 
For his part, Wingels is just working hard and trying to learn as much as he can. He was impressive in San Jose camp, and played 4:55 in San Jose’s opening win over Columbus in Stockholm before being sent to Worcester.
 
Wingels said having veteran leaders like Jay Leach, Sean Sullivan, and Jonathan Cheechoo has been a valuable part in his rapid growth over the season’s first two weeks.
 
“I’m just trying to find my way and get better every day,” Wingels said. “There are a lot of guys here who know what it takes to be successful players at this level and the NHL level, and I’m taking in as much as I can. Every day is a learning experience.”
 
Benn Ferriero added a goal and two assists in the win, giving him 5 goals and 4 assists on the season, while James Marcou (No. 3) and Andrew Desjardins (first of the season) also scored for Worcester.
 
Alex Stalock made 30 saves in his sixth start of the season.
 
Johan Harju netted a pair of goals for Norfolk (No.’s 3 and 4) while Matt Fornotaro also scored (second of season).   <:u1:p>   Contact Stevve.Kendall@prohockeynews.com