In what can only be called a disappointing weekend at the Budweiser Bullpen, the Amarillo Wranglers lost both games to the NAHL South Division leading New Mexico Ice Wolves.
The Wranglers lost 4-1 on Friday night, then took a 3-1 loss on Saturday.
The Games
With first place in the South Division on the line, the Ice Wolves rolled into town with an objective, and that objective was to stay in first place. In a true act of sportsmanship, the Ice Wolves’ Kyrre Hellerud (former Amarillo Bulls player early in the 2020 Season) stood in as a temporary captain for the Ice Wolves for the puck drop. Hellerud was a fan favorite for the Bulls and it was nice seeing him. The lone highlight from Friday night’s game was Wranglers’ Dominic Schimizzi’s sling shot goal at the 18:42 mark in the second period.
Saturday night’s game saw a tight first period with no scoring. At the 15:49 mark working out in a second period, New Mexico drew first blood when Nicolas Haviar hit the back of the net. Amarillo answered at the 17:17 mark when Gleb Prohorenkovs took a behind the back pass for teammate Kristaps Skrastins to tie it up. The Ice Wolves went on to score two unanswered goals to take the victory.
The Team
The first half of the Inaugural season for the Wranglers has far surpassed expectations. In an effort to improve the team moving into the second half of the season, the Wranglers were able to acquire two new players. Jaden Jensen, a defenseman from the Corpus Christi Ice Rays was traded to the Wranglers. Jensen has a massive presence on the ice and stands 6-foot-7 (with skates). The former IceRays captain will have an immediate impact at the blue line, as well as bringing into the team his veteran leadership. The Wranglers also acquired forward CJ Zezima from the New Jerseys Generals. CJ Is a “stick man” with 13 points in 26 games. Both players should have an immediate impact.
The Fans
Amarillo has a strong core of hockey fans that are loud, proud and loyal. During Friday night’s game, the Amarillo Wranglers took time out to recognize one of those incredible hockey fans. In the true spirit of “Fan Appreciation,” and some anonymous partners’ encouragement, the Amarillo Wranglers recognized a special fan. Roger Moore is a hockey fan who has supported the sport of hockey in Amarillo for decades. His history of support is deep. Whether it was the first Wranglers team, the Gorillas, the Bulls or the new Wranglers, Moore’s support has been exceptional. His love for hockey and family are an important reason why we have such a strong tradition of Hockey. Congratulations to Roger Moore for being a SuperFan, and we thank him for his continued support of the great sport of hockey in our community.
Next up
The Amarillo Wranglers sit in fourth place with a record of 19-12-1-1 (40 points). Just one point ahead of the Wranglers in third place is Odessa. Amarillo looks to get back to its winning ways this Thursday morning in a special morning 11 a.m. puck drop, and a Friday night game at the Budweiser Bullpen against the Lonestar Brahmas.
