Series Recap: Texas Brahmas
For the West Texas Wranglers, they had a tall task on their hands facing off against the Lone Star Brahmas NA3HL side, the Texas Brahmas. Heading into Friday’s game, the Brahmas had only been dealt a single loss so far this season. The West Texas Wranglers were fully prepared to defend home ice at the Ice Ranch to the final whistle, like Head Coach Austin Sutter has been instilling in the West Texas Wranglers this season: play a full 60 minutes, outwork your opponent, outhustle them, and fight for your brothers you play with.
11/14:
The West Texas Wranglers halfway through the 1st period would notch the first goal of the game, as Dustin Woodfin would rifle home the game-leading goal for the West Texas Wranglers while being assisted by Nathan Zane. In the 2nd period the West Texas Wranglers would take full advantage of a power play as Justin Fielden would put the West Texas Wranglers up 2-0 while being assisted by Cutter Daniel.
The Texas Brahmas were not ready to go quietly into the night, though, as they would make it a 1-goal game heading into the 2nd intermission. Early in the 3rd period the Texas Brahmas would tie it up at the Ice Ranch. The whistle would blow on the 3rd period, meaning this game was going to be decided in either a shoot-out or overtime. In overtime Justin Fielden would be the overtime hero, sending the Ice Ranch into a frenzy. The West Texas Brahmas, whose only loss all season long was in a shootout, had just been dealt a loss by the new kids on the block in the South Division. A truly momentous night to remember for the West Texas Wranglers in their inaugural season.
11/15:
Fresh off their big win last night, the West Texas Wranglers had a taste of taking down a very strong team, handing them their 2nd loss all season long. It was going to be an all-out war, and a war it was.
In the 1st period with 11:43 left, the Texas Brahmas would strike first, but the West Texas Wranglers would answer back. Justin Fielden, Friday night’s overtime hero, was back at it again, rifling home a goal while being assisted by Sven Svensson and Cutter Daniel, sending the two teams into the 1st intermission tied up 1-1.
The Texas Brahmas would find the lone goal in the 2nd period. As the West Texas Wranglers came out for the 3rd period, they knew they would have a big period ahead of them and were up for a challenge. With 16:27 left in the 3rd period, Gunnar Vick would find twine while being assisted by Justin Fielden and William Andegren.
Back on level terms the two teams went. The Texas Brahmas would regain their 1-goal lead with 13:13 left in the 3rd period. The West Texas Wranglers weren’t giving up yet, though, as Calen Cross would fire the West Texas Wranglers back on level terms while being assisted by Jason McKenna. Ultimately the Texas Brahmas would restore their 1-goal lead with 4:51 left in the 3rd period. The West Texas Wranglers would pull their goalie in search of another game-tying goal, but a Texas Brahmas empty-net goal just put a historical sweep out of reach for the West Texas Wranglers. Despite the 5-3 loss, the West Texas Wranglers fought all night long and never gave up against one of the NA3HL’s strongest sides.
West Texas Wrangler Head Coach Austin shared his thoughts about his team’s massive efforts and their big win on Friday.
“It’s great to see Cutter Daniel and Justin Fielden earn Player of the Week honors, and it’s equally exciting to have schools reaching out about our players. Our group is fully bought in, playing for each other every night, and our captains have set a tremendous standard of leadership. We’re proud of the direction this team is heading and look forward to seeing the group achieve both their team goals and their individual goals throughout the season.” – Austin Sutter