The Indy Fuel capped off 2024 with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the Kalamazoo Wings in a New Year’s Eve showdown at Wings Event Center. The win came on the back of a strong third period, breaking a tie that had persisted through much of the game.
First Period
Both teams came out firing, but it was the Fuel who struck first. At 13:20, a high-sticking penalty on Joseph Arntsen gave Indy a power play, and Colin Bilek, back in the lineup, converted with assists from Ryan Gagnier and Bryan Lemos to put the Fuel up 1-0.
Kalamazoo responded late in the period when Zach Okabe scored at 18:21 to even the game at 1-1. The Fuel held an 11-5 edge in shots on goal heading into the intermission.
Second Period
The second period began with Kalamazoo dominating possession, registering nine shots before the Fuel managed one. The K-Wings took their first lead at 11:00 when Arntsen found the back of the net to make it 2-1.
Indy’s Cam Hausinger, the team’s leading scorer, answered at 14:51 with a goal assisted by Kevin Lombardi to tie the game at 2-2. Late penalties on both sides disrupted play, but neither team could capitalize before the end of the frame. The Fuel entered the third period outshooting Kalamazoo 20-16.
Third Period
The decisive moment came at 8:24 of the third period when Kevin Lombardi broke the tie with a goal assisted by Nathan Burke and Thomas Farrell.
Kalamazoo pulled their goaltender in the final minute for an extra attacker but could not generate an equalizer.
Final Score
Indy Fuel 3, Kalamazoo Wings 2
The victory marked a successful end to the year for the Fuel, who leveraged disciplined play and timely scoring to secure the win. Indy will look to carry this momentum into the new year as they prepare for their next matchup.