Wild splits with Bismarck Bobcats

WENATCHEE - The Wenatchee Wild was able to split two games against Bismarck at home recently.

The Wild blew out the Bobcats in the first game, 7-2, after scoring six unanswered goals when Bismarck took a 2-1 lead in the second period.

"We got a lot of pucks in the net," head coach Bliss Littler said. "We got traffic in front; our special teams were good, with very good goaltending. That's usually a pretty good formula."

The Wild's Matthew Nuttle and Brendan Harris provided the offense early with one goal each in the first period. Joseph Kaszupski scored the go-ahead goal for Wenatchee and kicked off an offensive onslaught in the second period.

James Mathias and Jakob Ahlgren also found the back of the net and the Wild led 5-2 entering the final period.

Alex Rauter and Nicholas Rivera added some insurance for the Wild and the team skated to a 7-2 blowout win.

"For us it's a real big win against one of the top teams in the league, that's a big win for us," Littler said. "The crowd was outstanding. Outstanding."

Wenatchee was unable to carry its momentum into the second game and fell in a shootout, 3-4.

Once again, Bismarck took an early lead but Mitch Demario was able to provide the equalizer for the Wild.

The Bobcats scored twice in the second period and took a 3-1 lead into the third. Gadel Gumerov and Mike Coyne tied the game at 3-3 and a scoreless extra session meant a shootout.

Bismarck scored in round six to escape with a 4-3 win.

"Extremely proud of the effort, especially in the third," Littler said. "We failed figuring out what the official was going to call. That's what got us."

Wenatchee is now 19-17-5 on the season and will travel to Alaska for a three-game set with Kenai River starting Jan. 30.