Wenatchee Wild swept by division-leading Fairbanks

WENATCHEE - After a recent string of success, the Wild were brought back down to Earth against the division champion Fairbanks Ice Dogs.

The Wenatchee Wild (28-22-6) failed to win against Fairbanks and could only manage two goals in the two-game set.

Wenatchee was shutout Friday, 4-0.

Fairbanks scored one goal each in the first and second period. The Ice Dogs were able to add two insurance goals in the third period to skate toward the shutout win.

"(Fairbanks) played like champions," head coach Bliss Littler said. "And we played fat and happy. Every aspect, from coaching, to whatever you want to talk about, they were better tonight."

Wenatchee was outshot 35-16 against Fairbanks. The Wild was 0/2 on the power play and 3/3 on the penalty kill. Goaltender Chase Perry was able to make 31 saves.

"I thought we were still feeling good about last weekend and forgot to check in and I'll take the blame for that," Littler said. "I don't want to make any excuses, Fairbanks, they played like champions. Anything I say it takes away because they were much better than we were tonight. The only bright spot for us was Chase Perry."

Saturday was a slight improvement for the Wild, but the team was unable to upset Fairbanks.

Wenatchee led early before the Ice Dogs were able to score four unanswered goals in the second and third period to skate toward a 5-2 win.

Mitch Demario gave the Wild an early 1-0 lead off assists from Omar Mullan and Matthew Nuttle.

After Fairbanks tied the game, Nicholas Rivera helped Wenatchee regain the lead in the second period.

However, the Ice Dogs scored four more goals to secure the victory.

"Frustrating," Littler said. "Played awful well tonight. Come up with no points is frustrating, but the effort was very good and we'll build on that."

Wenatchee will take the weekend off before hosting Port Huron Fighting Falcons on March 21 and 22.