Weekend Wrap-Up: Kalamazoo wins again in OT
Michigan 1 @ Kalamazoo 2 (OT) - For the second consecutive game, the Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings and Michigan Warriors headed into overtime tied at 1-1, and for the second straight game, it was Kalamazoo escaping with a 2-1 victory in extra time.
In a first period that featured good speed, heavy hits, and stellar goaltending, the Jr. K-Wings were able to strike first during the eighth and final meeting between Kalamazoo and Michigan. Their third power play opportunity was the charm for Kalamazoo, as Robbie Payne caught a feed at the top of the circle and ripped it over the shoulder of Michigan goalie, Trevor Gorsuch. Payne’s goal in the late stages of the first was his team leading 25th of the season.
The second period followed the mold of the first, with defense being at the catalyst of both teams’ efforts. The Warriors were able to put home the only goal of the period, as Brock Labelle crashed a loose puck in front of the goal after Marcus Due-Boje made the initial save. Labelle was the first one on the puck and snapped it into the back of the goal for his eighth goal of the campaign.
With no scoring in the third, the two teams headed into overtime for the second consecutive game tied at 1-1.
With time ticking down under ten seconds in overtime and all signs pointing to the game heading to a shootout, Payne created separation along the wing, slid the puck to Kyle Gattelaro (10th) who fired it past Gorsuch for the game winner.