The Austin Bruins kicked off the 2011-2012 season at the ninth annual North American Hockey League Showcase Tournament in Blaine Minnesota. The Bruins took on the newly formed Kalamazoo Junior K Wings of the North Division. The opening frame the Bruins and K Wings played a tightly contested period with Austin putting up 6 shots on Alec Okicki and the K-Wings getting 5 shots on Bruggeman. The K-Wings pumped one in with just a second remaining in the first period courtesy of Anthony Appleyard. At the end of period one Kalamazoo led 1-0. The middle frame was an excellent start for the Bruins as Austin Nelson picked up his first goal of his junior career, assisting on the goal was John Kirby and Jon Gehrt. The K-Wings were able to answer back when Chris Hughes hit the back of the net giving Kalamazoo a 2-1 lead. Answering back for the black and yellow was new addition Brandon Wahlin assists went to Charlie Adams and CJ Smith. At the end of two periods of play the Bruins and K-Wings were tied 2-2. The third period the Bruins scored a shorty as Brandon Wahlin went upstairs giving the Bruins a 3-2 lead. The Bruins were able to finish the game from here as Tyler Bruggeman picked up his first victory in net as a Bruin. The Bruins battle the Fresno Monsters from the West Division tomorrow night on fasthockey.com tune in for live play by play.
