WICHITA FALLS, TX- The Wichita Falls Warriors (4-3-1-2) lose a close one on Saturday night by a final of 2-1 in overtime to the New Mexico Ice Wolves (3-9-1-0).
It was a back and forth first two periods with both sides trading chances. Goaltenders Owen Bartoszkiewicz for Wichita Falls and Beni Halasz for New Mexico made some key stops and got the help from some posts to keep the game scoreless into the third period.
In the third period it was the Warriors who would break the scoreless tie first as Thomas Weis (6) took it in himself and went backhand to forehand to put it past Halasz and give the Warriors the 1-0 lead. The Warriors would create several quality chances but could not get another one past Halasz in his first start this season for the Ice Wolves. The Ice Wolves would tie the game 14:51 into the third period and force overtime.
In overtime the Warriors created some offensive pressure and controlled the puck. Then the Warriors would take a penalty 1:31 into the overtime period and have to play 4-on-3. The penalty kill started strong for the Warriors a penalty kill that was a perfect 2 for 2 in regulation. With just 18 seconds left on the New Mexico power play, Jack Whitmore would score the game winning goal for the Ice Wolves, snapping a 9 game losing skid.
Beni Halasz (1-0-0-0) recorded the win for New Mexico, he recorded 39 saves on 40 shots faced. Owen Bartoszkiewicz (3-2-1-1) recorded the loss for Wichita Falls, he recorded 38 saves on 40 shots faced.
Next up, the Warriors hit the road for a New Years Eve matchup with the Amarillo Bulls for the first time this season on December 31st. Puck drop is at 4pm CST.
