Fiala fires OT winner for Admirals

The Milwaukee Admirals and Chicago Wolves wrapped up the American Hockey League  pre-season Saturday (Oct. 3) at the Triphahn Center at Hoffman Estates, Kevin Fiala giving the Milwaukee side its fourth and final lead of the night, ending the contest with his goal 1:50 into overtime.

Offensively, teams started slow with just one goal through the first 40 minutes– David Moss opening it with a powerplay goal 52 seconds from the end of the middle frame to give the visiting Admirals its first lead.

The Wolves didn’t get on the board until Pat Cannone tied the score with 8:31 to go in the contest, but that triggered a wild finish to this one.

Adam Payerl had the Ads in front again just 68 seconds later, but Zach O’Brien again rallied the Chicago troops with 5:22 to go, evening the score at 2-2.

The Admirals again moved in front late in the game, but Jordan Schmaltz hammered one home from the blue line with goaltender Pheonix Copley sitting on the bench just 30 seconds from the final buzzer to push the game to overtime and set the stage for Fiala’s game winner.

Copley turned aside 18 shots in goal for the Wolves while Juuse Saros and Brandon Whitney turned aside 11 apiece in a shared effort between the pipes for the Admirals.

The same two teams will open the regular season at the Allstate Center Oct. 10.