The Brahmas are back home this weekend as they prepare to kick off a stretch of five games in a row against the Wichita Falls Wildcats. Here’s what you need to know!
THE WILDCATS: The best team in the North American Hockey League is also the hottest, winning their previous seven. Last Thursday the ‘Cats dominated the Brahmas in nearly every aspect of the game, similar to the previous Wednesday where Wichita Falls embarrassed the boys in North Richland Hills.
Backed by the best overall goaltender in the league, Wichita Falls is hard to crack with Justin Kapelmaster in the cage. A 1.74 goals against average and a .933 save percentage make it easy to understand why his record is 14-1-1.
In four meetings this season the Brahmas have only beat Kapelmaster four times.
THE BRAHMAS: It’ll be interesting to see how the team responds after losing two in a row for the second time this season. Two handed losses in a row to Wichita Falls in two weeks and sour defeat thanks to Amarillo have led to a mix-up in personnel amongst other things.
This series will be the first for the team without goaltender Conor O’Brien since his call-up to the USHL. By default, Corbin Kaczperski, who has been splitting time with O’Brien, is expected to see the majority of starts. However, the vibe is do not be surprised to see call-up Brandon Perrone the nod for a game.
Kyle Patava appears to be ready to re-join the lineup after a two-week absence due to an upper-body injury sustained in Corpus Christi.
THE DIFFERENCE: Coaching. John LaFontaine has looked like a hockey genius in the way that he’s picked apart this Brahmas team so far this season. Two of the Brahmas four regular season losses have come against the Wildcats and the combined score in the two was 8-1.
Dan Wildfong and Jeff Potter will need to make some adjustments in order to avoid taking another L and beginning what could be a rough stretch of five games.
PROMOTIONS: Friday night is Teddy Bear Toss Night and all fans planning to attend are encouraged to bring a new or gently used teddy to throw on the ice after the Brahmas first goal. After the game the bears will be donated to the Community Enrichment Center of North Richland Hills for families in need this holidays season.
Saturday is Star Wars Night so come prepared to enjoy a night dedicated to the motion picture series. Costumes are encouraged!
TICKETS: A limited number of tickets are still available by calling 817-336-4ICE, atop your screen under the tickets tab or by stopping by the NYTEX Sports Centre box office.