Preview: Welcoming the Wolves
By: Manitoba Moose Staff | Published: November 2nd 2018
Nov. 1, 2018 vs CHICAGO WOLVES
The Manitoba Moose (5-4-0-0) are back at Bell MTS Place tonight to take on the Chicago Wolves (6-2-0-1). Tickets for the 7 p.m. CT puck drop are available at moosehockey.com/tickets/. You can also find the game on TSN 1290, the Moose App, moosehockey.com/listenlive, and streamed live on AHLTV
The Moose return home from a successful three-game trip through Milwaukee and Rockford and have won four of their last five games. After dropping the first game of the trip, 4-1 to the Admirals, the Moose rode rookie goaltender Mikhail Berdin to a 2-1 shootout victory over the IceHogs. The Ufa, Russia native was feeling comfortable in his new setting, after stopping 35 shots and securing his first AHL.
“When I play in junior, you know, I think it so big jump to AHL. I’m real nervous, but when I start game, play first period and have couple saves I feel better. I think, it’s not big jump. I’m ready.”
Berdin was up to the task, again, two nights later in Milwaukee, when the Moose notched another 2-1 victory, this time in overtime. Mason Appleton’s game-winner and ninth point (5G, 4A) of the season capped of the trip for the Moose.
At the end of the first month of the season, the team has bounced back from an 0-2-0-0 start to bring themselves into the thick of the Central Division standings. Head coach Pascal Vincent likes his team’s progress, and the development of the team’s leadership group.
“I saw a team coming together. Obviously we’re playing much better hockey, getting to know what’s expected from them. But, peer pressure can be, sometimes, quite positive in a sense that they’re pushing each other quite a bit in practices. They’re talking more on the bench, the bench is more alive. “
The Moose hope to continue their winning ways tonight against a team they enjoyed some success over last season. In the eight 2017-18 meetings, Manitoba was 6-1-1-0 against the Wolves.
The Moose have to watch out for Wolves forward Brooks Macek. The Winnipeg-born winger is tied for the AHL lead in goals with nine, through his first nine AHL games. Macek isn’t the only Manitoban on Chicago’s roster as Kegan Kolesar and Zack Whitecloud are both products of Hockey Manitoba.
If you can’t make it to tonight’s game, the Moose and Wolves get right back at it tomorrow on Saturday’s Video Game Night. There will be an interactive gaming lounge on site, and lots of cool surprises. Fans attending are encouraged to bring winter clothing items to support the Share the Warmth campaign presented by Red River Co-op. Those participating will be entered in a draw to win a one-of-a-kind Manitoba Moose branded Playstation 4. Visit moosehockey.com/tickets/ for tickets.
