The Jamestown Ironmen won on Saturday in dramatic fashion once again as they edged the Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings, 3-2, in overtime in North American Hockey League action at the Jamestown Savings Bank Arena.
The Ironmen trailed 1-0 after the first period, but lit up the scoreboard in the second period with a pair of goals.
Even Ritt scored his seventh goal of the season, 5:42 into the second period with an assist from Ross Pavek to tie the contest at 1-1.
Article Photos
At right, Jamestown Ironmen goalie Reid Mimmack catches the puck for a save in Saturday’s North American Hockey League game against the Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings at the Jamestown Savings Bank Arena. At right, Ryan Urso of the Ironmen fires a shot at Kalamazoo goalie Marcus Due-Boje. See additional photos at cu.post-journal.com.
P-J photos by Scott Reagle
Pavek then put Jamestown ahead, 2-1, scoring his eighth goal of the season with only 10 seconds remaining in the second period. Assists came from Aaron Scheppelman and Kenny Curtis.
The Jr. K-Wings tied the game in the third period to force overtime for the second straight night.
This time, no shootout was necessary as Luc Gerdes supplied the game-winner, beating the Kalamazoo (19-10-3) goaltender with his 16th goal of the season and ending the game in overtime. Nico Sierra was credited with the assist and Jamestown earned two points on the evening.
Jamestown (21-8-3) outshot Kalamazoo, 34-26, while goaltender, Reid Mimmack made 24 saves and picked up his 17th victory of the season in his last game as a member of the Ironmen. Mimmack has committed to play hockey at NCAA Division I Bemidji State University starting in January.
"We started out slow, but battled back and played well," said a pleased Ironmen head coach, Dan Daikawa. "This was a great weekend for us, but it is always tough losing a player, especially a goalie like Reid. I am confident that we have guys that will step up in his place and continue to give us opportunities to win."
Jamestown earned four points on the weekend and executed a sweep of the Jr. K-Wings with a pair of wins in two very close games that went right down to the wire. That keeps the Ironmen in first place in the NAHL North Division as they enter their holiday break.
Jamestown will return to action with a trip to Janesville for a pair of games on Jan. 4 and 5 and will not return home until Jan. 11 for a three-game homestand. The Ironmen will play host the Soo Eagles on (Jan. 11 and 12 while entertaining the Port Huron Fighting Falcons on Jan.13 at the JSBA.
NOTES: The Ironmen are currently looking for billet families to help house players throughout the rest of the NAHL season. If interested or for more information, contact Jessica Wappat at 484-2624.