The Texas Tornado (31-16-7, 69pts, #3 South) went into the Amarillo Civic Center with the scent of revenge on their nostrils after having dropped four straight games to the Amarillo Bulls. Two games and four points later, the team got exactly what they were looking for. Texas allowed just one goal to the NAHL’s top team, while also clinching a playoff spot in the South Division Playoffs.
More on the Tornado after the jump…
Tornado Cash-In on PP, Crush Bulls 5-1On a night where the Texas Tornado were facing both the top power-play and penalty-killing units in the league, they dealt with both exceptionally well en route to a 5-1 stomping of Amarillo. The Tornado scored 3 times on the PP, while also killing off all 6 penalties they took. Jackson Leef picked up a pair of goals, while Jack Prince, Marc Biggs, and John Kirtland chipped in with one apiece. The Tornado were up 5-0 a little over midway through the game and the third period was an easy coast to victory, with only the shutout being foiled late.
The Texas Tornado completed a weekend sweep of the Amarillo Bulls with a 2-0 victory in Amarillo on Saturday. Hunter Leisner stopped all 33 shots he faced en route to his fifth shutout of the season, and third with Texas. Taylor Herndon scored his 16th goal of the season, while Jordan Lovick added an empty-net goal for his 18th of the year. As is typical for most Texas-Amarillo games, it was physical early and often. The first fighting majors came just 11 seconds into the game, which featured a total of 104 PIMs. The win keeps Texas 3 points back of second-place Topeka in the South Division.
Looking Ahead and Around:
–March is a busy month for the Tornado, one which includes the final four regular-season home games and our annual Pros vs Prospects game. The team’s next home games are March 16th and 17th against the New Mexico Mustangs and it will also be “Skate to a Cure” weekend. Texas will also be wearing specialty “St Pattys Day” jerseys which will be auctioned off following Saturday night’s game. A portion of those proceeds, as well as proceeds from ticket sales, will be donated to the Frisco Relay for Life. Tickets can be found here.
–Then, on March 18th, the Tornado will be holding its 6th Pros vs Prospects event. This event is a chance for the Tornado to play against various former NHLers at Dr Pepper Arena. The game-worn jerseys from each former pro will be auctioned off following the game, with a portion of those proceeds going back to the Dallas Stars Alumni Association. This years list includes Joe Nieuwendyk, Jere Lehtinen, Ed Belfour, Stu Barnes, Bob Bassen, Glen Gulutzan, Landon Wilson, Paul Jerrard, Gerald Diduck, and Billy Huard. Tickets can be found here.
As always, follow all things Tornado at www.TornadoHockey.com or www.NAHL.com
I can be reached directly via email at Nick@TornadoHockey.com