NORFOLK, VA — The Kalamazoo Wings kicked off the 2016-17 season on the backs of stellar goaltending and timely scoring, as they handled a third-period surge by the Norfolk Admirals on their way to a 3-1 victory on Friday night at the Norfolk Scope Arena.
After both teams worked out the early-season kinks in the opening moments of the contest, Kalamazoo tallied the game’s first marker after springing an odd-man rush from their own end. Kyle Blaney carried the puck along the right-side boards and moved it in front to Scott Henegar, who tapped in his first career tally, giving the Wings a 1-0 lead.
Kalamazoo added some insurance during the middle portion of the second period, as Austin Wuthrich kept a play alive and spun the puck to a wide-open Michael Trebish at the top of the circle. The new Wings’ defenseman hammered a slap shot towards the goal that teed up a wide-open rebound for Dajon Mingo, who raced ahead to bury the puck into the gaping goal.
Trying to generate a comeback and pump some life into the hometown crowd, Josh Brittain cut the Wings’ lead by poaching a vacant puck during a net-front scramble that left Joel Martin tied up.
Seconds after an empty power play effort, Kalamazoo were able to seal the game when Trebish lifted the puck through center and ahead to Josh Pitt with a full head of steam. Pitt waltzed into the Norfolk end and snapped a wrist shot over the left pad of Eetu Laurikainen and into the goal, giving Kalamazoo a decisive 3-1 lead.
The two teams will square off again Saturday night at the Norfolk Scope Arena.
Notes: Henegar and Pitt each picked up their first professional goals. Martin made 32 saves and picked up his 189th career win with the K-Wings, leaving him seven shy of tying the team record. Kalamazoo are 1-1-0 against Norfolk all time. Seven of the eight points registered by Kalamazoo scorers were tallied by players making their debut with the Wings.
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