Dallas Snipers survives Wichita Jr. Thunder comeback, wins 9-8

Dallas Snipers survived a determined comeback attempt by Wichita Jr. Thunder on the way to a 9-8 win. 

Dallas Snipers made the score 9-4 on a goal by Alexander Yunanov at 30 seconds in the third period, and Wichita Jr. Thunder got as close as 9-8 when Peter Ivicic scored 13:23 into the third period. 

Dallas Snipers got the win with help from a great game by Yunanov, who had two goals and three assists. Yunanov scored the first of his two goals on the power play at 19:27 into the first period to make the score 3-2 Dallas Snipers. Dallas Snipers had taken the advantage when Wichita Jr. Thunder's Ivan Brvenik got sent off for roughing. Erik Svensson picked up the assist. Yunanov's next tally on the power play made the score 9-4 Dallas Snipers with 19:30 left in the third period. Mike Misantonis assisted on the tally. 

Dallas Snipers' penalty box was a popular destination as the team totaled eight minors and one major for 51 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 24.0 minutes per game Dallas Snipers had been spending in the box. Dallas Snipers kept Wichita Jr. Thunder's goalie busy throughout the game, and Cooper Blaine made 26 saves on 35 shots. Dallas Snipers' goal total was higher than its season average. This season, Dallas Snipers averages 3.3 goals per contest. Dallas Snipers was effective with a man advantage, and put in four goals while on the power play. 

Dallas Snipers additionally got points from Justin Becton, who also racked up one goal and one assist and Trent Williams, who also had one goal and one assist. Dallas Snipers also got a goal from Jean Cobo as well. Other players who recorded assists for Dallas Snipers were Dusan Olsa, who had two and Eriks Mendis, Yevgeni Nikolaev, Artis Mucenieks, and Cameron Neufeld, who each chipped in one. 

Dallas Snipers was unable to stop Wichita Jr. Thunder from sending pucks towards the net, and Wichita Jr. Thunder eventually piled up 44 shots on goal. Wichita Jr. Thunder outdid its season average for goals scored. Wichita Jr. Thunder averages 3.7 goals per game. Team's forwards weren't the only contributers offensively, and the team's defensemen showcased their scoring touch with three goals. 

Wichita Jr. Thunder was helped by Alex Smith, who grabbed two goals and two assists. Smith scored the first of his two goals on the power play at 16:48 into the first period to make the score 2-2. Wichita Jr. Thunder had gained a power play chance when Williams was whistled for unsportsmanlike conduct. Patrik Janac picked up the assist. Smith's next tally on the power play made the score 9-5 Dallas Snipers with 14:33 left in the third period. Wichita Jr. Thunder earned a power play opportunity when Cobo was put in the box for fighting. Peter Cicmanec assisted on the tally. Wichita Jr. Thunder also got points from Ivicic, who also registered one goal and one assist and Janac, who also racked up one goal and three assists. Wichita Jr. Thunder also had goals scored by Tom Lindstrom and Joel Johnson, who scored one goal each. In addition, Wichita Jr. Thunder received assists from Zach Balodis, who had four and Brock Steffen and Keaton OMalia, who contributed one each. 

Joshua Soule recorded 36 saves for Dallas Snipers. Wichita Jr. Thunder incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with seven minors.