It was a long bus ride to Blaine, Minnesota, for the West Texas Wranglers as they joined all the other NA3HL teams for three games against non-divisional opponents. For the West Texas Wranglers it would be match-ups with Bayou State Rougarou, Willmar Warhawks, and Norwich Sea Captains.
December 14th vs Bayou State Rougarou
Rougarou would open the scoring in under two minutes into the 1st period, but the Wranglers would respond right back four minutes later as William Andegren would tie the game up. Andegren would be assisted by Calen Cross. Less than three minutes later, Rougarou would restore their lead and head into the 1st intermission up 2-1. The Wranglers would tack on two goals in the 2nd period, first with Zachary Polkes being assisted by Gunnar Vick with 15:39 left in the second period to tie it up at 2-2. With 5:50 left in the 2nd period, the Wranglers would pop home a power play goal, taking a 3-2 lead. The goal would be scored by Gavin Brown while being assisted by Nathan Zane and Calen Cross. Rougarou would find a power play goal with 29 seconds left in the 2nd period, making it a 3-3 scoreline heading into the 3rd period. Rougarou would take a 4-3 lead after finding a power play goal early into the 3rd period. With 13:56 left in the 3rd period, Nathan Zane would make it a 4-4 game while being assisted by Gavin Brown and Dustin Woodfin. Neither side could find a game-winning goal in regulation, so the game would venture into overtime, where Rougarou would find an overtime winner with 1:57 left in OT. Despite the loss, it would be a point still gained with plenty of takeaways and learning experiences.
December 15th vs Willmar Warhawks
After a hard-fought overtime loss, the Wranglers were straight back to work against a potent Willmar Warhawks side. The Warhawks would find the lone goal in the 1st period and take a slim 1-0 lead into the locker room. The Wranglers would rifle home a power-play goal early in the 2nd period courtesy of Calen Cross. Cross would be assisted by Jason McKenna and Nathan Zane. The Warhawks would prod home a power-play goal of their own in the 2nd period near the midway mark of the period. Willmar would hang onto their slim 2-1 lead while outshooting the Wranglers 65-15. Garret Lant would stand on his head, giving the Wranglers a platform to tie the game up. A 63 save game on 65 shots is an outstanding accomplishment, so yet again, more positives to take away, but also some more learning experiences.
December 16th vs Norwich Sea Captains
After two 1-goal losses, the Wranglers had a chip on their shoulder with their matchup against the Sea Captains. Early into the 1st period, Gavin Brown would light the lamp, putting the Wranglers up 1-0 while being assisted by Dustin Woodfin. Minutes later the Sea Captains would rifle home a power-play goal, tying the game up. With 8:37 left in the 1st period, Calen Cross would slot home a goal to restore the Wranglers” lead while being assisted by Justin Fielden and Nathan Zane. The Sea Captains would prod home a goal on the power play late into the dying minutes to make it a 2-2 game heading into the locker room. With seconds remaining in the 2nd period, Nathan Zane would slot home the game-winning goal on the power play. Zane would be assisted by Calen Cross and Gavin Brown. The chip on their shoulder would indeed be slammed down on the table as the Wranglers finished their first-ever NA3HL showcase off with a win.
The West Texas Wranglers return to action January 9th and 10th against the Tulsa Oilers on the road. You can watch the West Texas Wranglers all season long on NATV.