OKLAHOMA CITY–The Oklahoma Warriors swept the New Mexico Ice Wolves with a pair of regulation wins at Blazers Ice Centre.
Friday’s 3-2 victory required a third-period comeback, a feat the Warriors had not accomplished since September. Kaden Nelson tied the game on a breakaway goal with 8:35 remaining, then William Ahlrik sniped home a power play goal for the lead in the final 22 seconds.
Ahlrik, who had his parents in town from Tidaholm, Sweden, scored to secure Oklahoma’s first one-goal victory since September 29. While the Warriors have thrived off lopsided victories all season, the team finding a way to win a close game was refreshing. Dominic Elliott and Cooper Boulanger recorded two assists each.
The feeling on Saturday was much different for the hometown crowd. Oklahoma scored the first three goals of the game in an eventual 4-1 win. Jaxon Grosdidier deflected home the teddy bear toss goal midway through the first period. Elliott, Max Dronen, and Will Stauffer also scored.
Daniel Duris recorded 62 saves on 65 shots in the sweep. The 20-year-old goaltender earned second star of the week honors in the NAHL’s south division.
The Warriors held a moment of celebration before the series opener in honor of owner and governor Mary Anne Choi. The first 400 fans received cowbells. Oklahoma wore special autism-awareness themed jerseys with proceeds from the weekend going to Roosevelt Academy.