The Texas Tornado (33-16-7, 73pts, #3 South) stayed hot over the weekend after picking up two home wins against the New Mexico Mustangs. With the victories, Texas now has wins in four straight games. The Tornado dominated play on Friday, but still trailed heading into the third period before three straight goals gave the Tornado a 4-2 win. The next night, Drew Allen notched a hat trick, with line-mate Drew Mayer assisting on all three of his goals en route to a 5-2 Tornado victory.
Texas even got a win in exhibition play on Sunday, beating a roster filled with former pro hockey players in a 4-3 win at the sixth edition of Pros vs. Prospects.
More on the Tornado after the jump…
Tornado Storm Back for 4-2 Win
The Texas Tornado won their third straight game with a come-from-behind, 4-2 win over the New Mexico Mustangs on Friday. Taylor Herndon notched a pair of goals while Drew Mayer had two points, including his first goal as a member of the Tornado. Jackson Leef was the other Tornado goal-scorer, while Hunter Leisner got the win for the Tornado. He saw just 8 shots on goal all game, however, as Texas outshot New Mexico by a healthy 38-8 margin. The Tornado trailed 2-1 after the both the first and second periods, but three straight third period goals secured the Texas win.
Allen’s Hat Trick Fuels 5-2 Texas Victory
Thanks in part to a Drew Allen hat trick, The Texas Tornado picked up its fourth straight victory with a 5-2 win over the New Mexico Mustangs on Saturday. Jackson Leef and Taylor Herndon were the other Tornado goal-scorers, while Hunter Leisner made 20 saves for his 7th win with the Tornado this season. With the victory, Texas remains just one point back of 2nd-place Topeka in the South Division. Allen had goals in all three periods, Leef scored for the second time in as many nights, and Herndon now has four goals in his last three games.
Youth Trumps Experience in Pros vs. Prospects
In the sixth edition of the Texas Tornado Pros vs. Prospects game, the Tornado defeated the Pros, 4-3. The Pros roster featured Joe Nieuwendyk, Ed Belfour, Jere Lehtinen, Stu Barnes, Glen Gulutzan, Paul Gerrard, Bob Bassen, Gerald Diduck, and a host of other former NHLers. (A complete roster can be found here) Four different players scored for Texas, while the Pros picked up two goals from Jere Lehtinen and another from Stars Head Coach Glen Gulutzan. Joakim Jutras and Hunter Leisner split time in goal, though Jutras started and did not allow a goal on 11 shots. The victory marked only the second time the Tornado have come out on top, but coupled with last season’s win in this game, and Texas is on a 2-year winning streak over the former Pros.
Looking Ahead and Around:
–It may be hard to believe, but the final two home games of the regular season are already upon us. After two games on the road in Corpus Christi this weekend, both teams will travel to Frisco the following weekend for the FAN-tastic FAN-ale, coming up on March 30th/31st. The Tornado will have plenty of giveaways from our sponsors, as we put a bow on the 2011-2012 regular season. Tickets can be found here.
–But don’t forget, Texas has already clinched a playoff spot and will be announcing dates for playoff games as soon as they become official. And of course, there’s still the 2012 NAHL Robertson Cup National Championship Tournament, which will be hosted by the Texas Tornado at Dr Pepper Arena from May 3rd – 8th. Information on tickets can be found here. Join us as the Tornado go for their 5th Robertson Cup in 12 years!
As always, follow all things Tornado related as www.TornadoHockey.com and www.NAHL.com
I can be reached directly via email at Nick@TornadoHockey.com