By: Annie Nadin – 7.12.24.
The Wranglers rebounded from an early deficit to deliver a dominant 6-3 victory over the Tucson Roadrunners on Saturday night at the Scotiabank Saddledome, securing a decisive win thanks to William Stromgren, Jeremie Poirier, Rory Kerins, Sam Morton, and Dryden Hunt.
The game got off to a fast start as Stromgren made an immediate impact, capitalizing on a turnover deep in the Tucson zone.
Stromgren for the solo play!!! 1-0 us! pic.twitter.com/y3bUA9f3xZ
— Calgary Wranglers (@AHLWranglers) December 8, 2024
The Swedish forward swooped in to intercept a misplayed puck and calmly slid it past Roadrunners goaltender Matt Villalta to put the Wranglers on the board.
However, Tucson quickly answered back.
Just minutes later, Kevin Connauton tied the game, followed by Josh Doan to give the Roadrunners a 2-1 lead.
Despite the early momentum shift, the Wranglers managed to hold their own, and the period ended with Tucson ahead.
Shots were 8-4 in favor of the Wranglers as the teams headed into the break.
The Wranglers came out of the intermission with renewed energy, and their offence began to click.
Quebec natives Poirier and Jonathan Aspirot combined for a quick play, with Poirier scoring a top-shelf shot that beat Villalta to tie the game.
The Quebec connection ➡️ Bardown goal!! pic.twitter.com/cfI3Rgh68t
— Calgary Wranglers (@AHLWranglers) December 8, 2024
The goal, which came off a clean setup by Aspirot, showcased the Wranglers growing chemistry.
It didn’t take long for the homeside to take control.
Stromgren and Kerins teamed up on a fast break, with Stromgren feeding Kerins for a quick 2-on-1 rush that ended with Kerins sliding the puck into the back of the net for a 3-2 lead.
Dynamic duo play!!! pic.twitter.com/ln7zIhKXm0
— Calgary Wranglers (@AHLWranglers) December 8, 2024
Morton extended the Wranglers lead to 4-2.
The play started with a no-look, behind-the-back pass from Sam Honzek, finding Morton, who buried it past Villalta for his first of the night.
Honzo didn’t even have to look!! Morty sends it to make it 4-2 us! pic.twitter.com/1OHjtwi37V
— Calgary Wranglers (@AHLWranglers) December 8, 2024
Tucson refused to go quietly, Hunter Drew cut the deficit to one, firing a shot past Wranglers goaltender Waltteri Ignatjew to make it 4-3.
Despite the late tally, the Wranglers maintained the lead as the second period came to a close.
The shots were lopsided in Calgary’s favour, with the Wranglers registering 22 to Tucson’s 11 through 40 minutes of play.
The Roadrunners couldn’t generate the necessary offence to mount a comeback in the final frame, as the Wranglers continued to stifle their chances.
Morton delivered another blow early in the third, scoring his second of the night on a one-timer, extending the Wranglers lead to 5-3.
Morty with the one timer🔥 5-3 us!! pic.twitter.com/LibzNpgzz6
— Calgary Wranglers (@AHLWranglers) December 8, 2024
The Wranglers sealed the win with a final empty-net goal from Dryden Hunt.
Huck and pray eh!! Hunt makes it a 6-3 game! pic.twitter.com/j0vbpBzffR
— Calgary Wranglers (@AHLWranglers) December 8, 2024
The win pushes the Wranglers to a 17-5-1 record in the season and sets them up for a key matchup against the Manitoba Moose on Dec. 10 and Dec. 11 back at the ‘Dome.
