The Minnesota Wilderness scored first in a game for the first time this season Thursday, but could not hang on, as it fell to the Amarillo Wranglers at the NAHL Showcase, 4-1.
Joe Cesario took advantage of a turnover deep in Amarillo’s zone and roofed a shot off the right post and into the net with 7:55 left in the opening period to give the Wilderness a 1-0 lead. However, that lead did not last long as the Wranglers answered with a power play marker 3:43 later, and rallied in the third period with three more tallies to win the game.
Jack Ivey and Topi Puikkonen each scored twice for Amarillo, while Ivey also added an assist for a 3-point game.
Alex Senf and Harper Searles earned assists on Cesario’s goal – his first of the season.
In goal, Ben Dardis made his first start for the Wilderness, and was especially strong in the second period, stopping all 12 shots he faced as the Wranglers outshot the Wilderness 12-6. Dardis finished the game with 24 saves as Amarillo had a 28-21 shot advantage.
Connor Mcdonough won the game in net for Amarillo, stopping 20 of 21 Minnesota shots.
The Wilderness power play was held scoreless on five chances, while the Wranglers finished 1-for-5.
Minnesota will try again to get in the win column tomorrow in day 3 at the Showcase, when it takes on Maryland at 11:30 a.m. CDT.