ALBUQUERQUE – Whats up Ice Wolves followers and welcome to the most recent version of the Ice Wolves Den. This week as we enter the house stretch, the NAHL Ice Wolves are in a tense battle for a playoff spot. Solely 7 factors separates the final place Oklahoma Warriors and the ultimate playoff spot, presently occupied by the Colorado Grit who’re 3 factors forward of the Odessa Jackalopes. The Ice Wolves sit 4 factors in entrance of Colorado and seven forward of Odessa.
The season began out rocky for the Ice Wolves, after profitable the second recreation of the season, they went on a ten recreation shedding streak, instantly adopted by a 9 recreation profitable streak.
Ice Wolves Head Coach Kevin Hartzell contributed the gradual begin to unfamiliarity, “We didn’t have lots of returning expertise, which is a distinction maker at any stage and for positive in Junior hockey. That mentioned, we had moments, like our three early season video games in Corpus the place we generated 120+ pictures over the three video games, however.scored simply two objectives. Tons to be taught sure, but in addition slightly unfortunate early.” Hartzell continued, “We stayed true to the method of enchancment. Win, lose or tie, our focus remained on getting higher every day, weekly, individually and as a staff. The boys did a very good job of remaining targeted on what issues and that’s their continuous enchancment.”
For the primary 12 months gamers, the transition to this stage could be powerful, however Coach Hartzell says that is the place everybody can present their potential, “We talked typically about how onerous the primary half of Junior hockey is in your first 12 months and that gamers typically start to blossom the second half of their first season. We’re getting many such “blossoms”. Too many to single out just a few.” Hartzell mentioned, “Jackson Fuller has been so regular for us, which facilitates confidence and the ensuing blossoms. Fuller has helped loads. I’m actually happy with our boys general.”
Now that they’re simply previous the half approach level, they enter the playoff stretch having gained 6 of their final 10. Which may not appear spectacular, however for a staff that didn’t even appear like a playoff contender early on, it’s an amazing signal that they’ve undoubtedly turned issues round. Behind the steadily improved scoring of Andy Earl and Ethan Hull, the breakout protection of fellows like Toivo Laaksonen and Max Matthews and the superb goalie tandem of Jack Fuller and Gavin Schahn, the Ice Wolves management their very own future. They presently sit in fifth place, however they’re solely 2 factors behind El Paso, catching them would imply internet hosting the opening spherical of the playoffs. No matter occurs, the subsequent couple of months goes to be enjoyable to observe.
The NAHL Ice proceed their street journey this weekend once they journey to Greeley to tackle the Grit. They return subsequent weekend when they are going to be carrying particular jerseys and elevating cash for Tunnel to Towers, a charity that’s necessary to me as a retired Firefighter. They may even have a number of jerseys signed by celebrities. This can be a nice trigger.
The 3HL Ice Wolves return house this Thursday afternoon for his or her annual College Day Matinee, taking up the Atlanta Capitals. Puck drop Thursday morning is 11am, Friday and Saturday evening at 6:30. They’ve already clinched their playoff delivery and may clinch second place this weekend, however mathematically first place will not be out of attain, as they’re 10 factors behind the Louisiana Drillers with 6 video games left. The Ice Wolves have this week’s 3 video games towards Atlanta and three towards El Paso whereas Louisiana performs 3 towards the Roadrunners and Brahmas. They solely want 1 win to clinch the division.
Photograph Credit Scott Adamson
