The Peoria Mustangs traveled to West Bend for the Power’s 2022-23 regular season home opener at Kettle Moraine Ice Center. The Power prevailed Friday in a 3-2 victory and the Mustangs battled back Saturday taking home a 6-3 win.
The Power came out strong Friday, feeding off the energy of the home crowd. Rocco Cicirello got the Power on the board scoring early at the 1:41 mark. He was assisted by Max Erstad. The Power’s second goal came at 5:31 of the first when Jacob Renbarger took a pass from Zach Wolverton to beat Mustang goaltender Joseph Ambroffi. The Power took advantage of a power play early in the third when Matthew Ebersole tallied the third goal of the night, scoring off assists from Tommy Kundinger and Jacob Renbarger. The Mustangs got on the board in the second scoring a shorthanded goal off a Power turnover and then again at the 15:51 mark to make the score 3-2 heading into the second intermission. The third period remained scoreless as the Power held on for the win. Spencer Northway stopped 22 of 24 shots in net for the Power.
Saturday, the Mustangs looked for revenge and took advantage of Power penalties to score two power play goals and tallied an empty net to take the second game 6-3. The Power trailed by 2 at the end of the first, but got on the board in the second when Connor O’Neal scored off assists from Bryce Garber and Riley Planey. Peoria answered and took a 4-1 lead into the third. The Power kept things interesting, scoring twice at the 8:09 and 9:15 mark of the third to bring the score to 5-3. The second goal was scored by Max Mudge, assisted by Jack Wojnowski. The Power’s third goal was scored by Patrick Toomey, assisted by DJ Gooley and Tommy Kundinger. The Mustangs sealed the deal with the empty net goal at 18:21 to split the weekend.
Looking ahead: The Wausau Cyclones travel to West Bend this weekend for a 2-game series. Both games are at 7:30pm. Friday is First Responders Night where all first responders get in free and will be recognized during the game. Saturday is The Washington County Humane Society Night game. Get your tickets at na3hlpower.wpengine.com/tickets.
