WINGS COMING OFF BIG WIN IN OT READY TO TACKLE THE BOMBERS

Sitting at the top of the table for the league, the Wichita Wings are gunning for the Amarillo Bombers in a double-header this weekend. The men in Orange hit the pitch against the Amarillo Bombers at 7:05 p.m. Friday, June 11 and Saturday, June 12 at Hartman Arena in Park City, Kan.

The Wings and their fans are still feeling the thrill of the overtime win at home last weekend, against the Cleveland Crunch. Steve Hamersky turned in a spectacular performance in goal, while Benji took the lead on offense - and popped in the winning goal on a volley that brought the crowd to its feet and cleared the bench. 

"Last game was great all around from our fans to the players to management.  We put on a good show like we always do.  We knew it was a big game for first place in the league and we went out with a playoff feeling performance," said Coach Roger Downing. 

Being able to have games scheduled on a more regular basis now that the Covid vaccine is widespread and numbers are down is a huge positive - not only for the fans but also for the players. 

"The season needing to be broken up was a big challenge, because each time we essentially started over," said Downing. "My guys adapt well and I’m happy with their commitment and dedication to Wichita.   The biggest challenge was practicing without having any games to look forward to coming up.  Our sessions now are more intense and more detail oriented because the guys know the playoffs are around the corner."

Let's look at the numbers those intense sessions are giving the fans. The Wichita Wings are sitting at the top of the table with an .833 winning percentage and the last meeting between the two teams ended with a 6-3 victory for the Orange on January 23. The Wings also hold an advantage with their penalty killing unit - holding off the opposition 83 percent of the time. As for the Bombers, they only kill penalties 42 percent of the time. The two teams are about equal on their power play conversions and their goals-for average. 

Another advantage for the Wings will be the return of fan favorite, Chris Lemons. The #2 is suiting up for the team on Saturday and Downing said he is looking forward to seeing Lemons bring back those skills that originally made him so popular with the folks in the stands. 

Downing said he would love to see more fans in the stands to cheer on his guys. And, although he understands there are still folks who feel uncomfortable in larger, indoor crowds, he feels that vaccinated fans should feel safe while cheering on their team.

"Hartman does a great job preparing for any event they host, that includes cleaning and sanitizing.  We see them during our practices going seat by seat to be sure it’s as sanitary as possible.  It’s also a big enough arena where you don’t have to sit next to people unless you want to," said Downing.

Still need tickets? Visit Hartman Arena box office to get yours. 

MASK/CLEAR BAG POLICY AND ARENA ENTRY

Please note that Hartman Arena does not require masks however, a Clear Bag Policy has been implemented and bags larger than 14" x 6" x 14" will not be allowed. 

Doors open to the public at 6 p.m. and to Orange Army Fan Club Members at 5 p.m.