Kilar Wins Pro Debut As Admirals Upset Walleye

(Photo Credit: Mike Dragon)

TOLEDO, OH. - Goaltender Brett Kilar won his first professional start on Sunday, as the Norfolk Admirals (25-37-4-0) upset the best club in the ECHL, the Toledo Walleye (48-14-2-2) by a score of 3-2.

Playing their third game in as many days, the Admirals were able to score a first period lead for the third time as well.  Tommy Giroux's fourth goal since joining the group came after a drive from the point by Paul Cianfrini was knocked down in front, leaving the puck for an ample rebound.  The rookie from the University of Quebec-Trois-Rivieres picked up the scraps, spun around and put one by Cal Heeter for the only tally of the first period.

Toledo would even the game for all of 57 seconds during the middle period, courtesy of Alex Globke.  The 6'3" - 205 lbs. forward from Lake Superior State University was able to jam home his first pro goal after linemate Shane Berschbach came in with speed along the left wing, swooped behind the net and left a rebound in front for Globke to tie things at 1-1.

However, as mentioned, Scott Jacklin would put the visitors back on top less than a minute later with his sixth point in just his seventh game as an Admiral.  A hard-working effort from Zach Pochiro on the forecheck allowed the Edmonton Oilers prospect to pick the pocket of Walleye defenseman Simon Denis, creating an opportunity for Jacklin to join the rush and cut to the net.  #14's 24th helper of the year came on the slam dunk, putting Norfolk ahead 2-1.

The Walleye came surging back in the third though, eventually earning the equalizer with just over seven minutes to go in regulation.  Matt Pohlkamp twisted a shot on from the blocker side half wall of Kilar, generating a fortuitous bounce for Toledo.  Carter Sandlak was humming in through the slot at the time, quickly snapping his opportunity home to once again level the playing field.

Despite some more brilliant efforts by the home team, there was no third goal scored in regulation so overtime became a necessity.

Both teams had a plethora of chances in the bonus five minutes but it eventually took the shootout to force a winner, as Zach Pochiro was the lone goal scorer, giving Norfolk the 3-2 victory.

Brett Kilar's stopped 35 of 37, plus an additional three in the shootout, to earn his first professional win in his first action.  Cal Heeter suffered the loss for Toledo, just his second of the season.

The Admirals will now return home for a Wednesday night battle at Scope against the Atlanta Gladiators at 7:15.  Tickets are on sale on Ticketmaster.com and at the Scope box office.