NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TX – After winning two out of three last weekend, the Brahmas will look to continue their momentum as they trek to Wichita Falls this weekend.
THE OPPOSITION: Despite dropping Monday’s meeting, the Wildcats still leads the entire North American Hockey League in points. With that being said, they haven’t earned a single point in their last four meetings with the Brahmas. They’re desperate to turn it around as the next four points have massive implications on who will take home the south division crown.
Starting goaltender Justin Kapelmaster is undoubtedly the X-Factor in the matchup. This week the outstanding netminder announced his commitment to Ferris State, where he’ll join Brahmas defensemen Cam Clarke next year. His 21-4-1 record proves him undoubtedly worth of the step to the next level, however, four of those five losses have come to the Brahmas. In fact, they’re the only team he’s lost to in over two months.
Forward Nick Rosa is the hottest 'Cat with seven points in his last five games.
THE BRAHMAS: Friday night’s loss to the IceRays was a head-scratcher but it was quickly put in the past thanks to an overtime winner from Hogan Davidson on Saturday and a win over the leagues best in Monday’s matinee.
The season series against the ‘Cats has been a mystery. After both teams picked up pair of overtime wins during the first meeting in October, Wichita Falls won the next four in a row. Since then, the Brahmas have taken the last four. What will this weekend hold?
One thing that is a certainty is that the team will be without forward Jakob Romo and defenseman Bud Madej on Friday. Both were suspended as a result of the weekend physicality with the IceRays.
Corbin Kaczperski is officially the hottest goaltender in the North American Hockey League with nine wins in his last nine decisions. At some point over the two weekend starts though, he tweaked something resulting in some missed practice time this week.
Alex Berardinelli has 14 points through his last 13 games and looks to improve on that this weekend.
ADDITIONAL: Friday’s game is a normal 7:05 start time but Saturday’s contest has been moved up to 5:00. Nick Marek and Walt Ruff will be in Wichita Falls with the broadcast on FastHockey.