The Wranglers ran into a high-powered Warriors offense who would score just 30 seconds into Friday night’s game. The Wranglers would not be able to recover and would drop Friday’s game 6-to-1.
Amarillo goalie Max Gutjahr dealt with bad bounces in the first period after making acrobatic saves but eventually surrendered three goals in the opening period. Jon Howe took over late in the opening period. The Warriors, who have a majority of last year’s core, dictated play for most of the game and caused the Wranglers to take 11 penalties. The Warriors would take advantage of the parade to the penalty box with three power-play goals.
In his second appearance of the season, Howe would make impressive saves in the second and third periods but could not prevent the lucky bounces for Wichita Falls. Howe made 21 saves on 24 shots faced. The Wranglers would get on the scoreboard when defenseman Aaron Chiarot blew a one-time shot past Matthew O’Donnell with just over three minutes remaining in the game.
The Wranglers did not get an opportunity to showcase their high-powered powerplay as the Warriors would get charged their first penatly with only 19 seconds left in the game. Wichita Falls (3-3-1) jump to the third spot in the division and tallied six goals in back to back games following a six-goal performance last Saturday against Odessa.The Wranglers (5-2) remain at the top of the division and will be looking for a weekend split on Saturday.