2 weeks Ago
In decidedly unfamiliar territory, the Norfolk Admirals began a three-game weekend series with the Iowa Heartlanders by losing 4-3 in overtime Friday night.Keltie Jeri-Leon netted an unassisted game-winner 3:15 into the extra period, and Ryan McGuire scored twice for the Heartlanders on Star Wars Night.The teams will square off again at 7 Saturday night and at 4 Sunday afternoon at Xtream Arena in Coralville, near Iowa City.
Admirals goalie Ian Shane, a former Cornell University star on an amateur tryout contract, made 18 saves but took the loss. Winner Kyle McClellan stopped 27 shots.Affiliated with the Minnesota Wild and headed to the ECHL playoffs for the first time in their four seasons of existence, the Heartlanders scored first on McGuire’s goal 2:40 in.
Justin Young’s 10th goal of the season at 8:38 and Brady Fleurent’s 26th put the Admirals ahead 2-1 at the 18:06 mark.Iowa’s Jonny Sorenson scored 3:35 into the second period, but the Admirals responded on Colton Young’s 14th goal of the season.With Chesapeake native Brandon Osmundson in the penalty box for hooking, Iowa (33-21-7-4) pulled even on a McGuire power-play goal with 4:40 remaining in regulation.
Jeri-Leon ended the game on Iowa’s second shot of OT.The Admirals (37-23-5-1) have six regular-season games remaining. They trail Wheeling (40-23-3-1), their likely first-round playoff opponent, by three points for second place in the North Division.
Both teams have five games to go..
