WICHITA, KS - The Idaho Steelheads defeated the Wichita Thunder 4-3 on Friday night in the second game of their three-game set with the Thunder. The Steelheads will finish off the three-game set on Saturday, with puck drop set for 5:05 p.m. MT from INTRUST Bank Arena.
After a low-scoring affair on Wednesday, both teams raced out of the gates with quick offense on Friday.
Kale Howarth kicked off the fun by jamming home a loose puck in the crease to put Idaho ahead 1-0 just 1:35 into the contest. However, just 35 seconds later, Ethan Scardina found Wade Murphy at the back door for the equalizer, getting the Thunder right back into the game.
As the flurry continued, next up was Liam Malmquist, who pounced on a loose puck to score his fourth goal of the season and give the lead right back to Idaho 4:42 into the opening frame.
Early in the second period, the yo-yo game continued, with Gavin Best tipping a T.J. Lloyd point shot by Arno Tiefensee to once again tie the game for Wichita just two minutes into the middle frame.
Another quick response came from Lee Lapid, who was sprung free atop the crease after quick touch passes by Mason Nevers and Morgan Winters as he snuck the puck past Connor Hasley to put the Steelheads back in front 3-2 just under three minutes later.
The alternating pattern kept producing for Wichita, with Anthony Rinaldi scoring his first of the season just over seven minutes into the frame to even things 3-3. This time, however, the Steelheads found their final response, as Nick Portz collected a pass from Jade Miller and scored from in tight for his third goal of the season and the eventual game-winner midway through the second.
The Thunder fought hard until the end, outshooting the Steelheads 15-5 in the third period, but came up short, as Idaho held on for the 4-3 victory.
Arno Tiefensee turned aside 32 of 35 shots in the win, while Hasley saved 31 of 35 in the loss.
ICCU Three Stars
- Liam Malmquist, IDH (1-1-2, +1, 5 shots)
- Gavin Best, WIC (1-1-2, 0, 1 shot)
- Lee Lapid, IDH (1-0-1, +1, 6 shots)
The Idaho Steelheads finish their three-game set against the Wichita Thunder on Saturday, with puck drop set for 5:05 p.m. MT from Wichita. Call the Steelheads Front Office at 208-383-0080 for Steelheads ticket packages for this season. Stay up to date with all things Steelheads on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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