Nachbaur Earns 700th WHL Win as Wild Take 5-4 Victory
In the world of junior hockey, certain milestones signify not only personal achievement but also the impact a coach has had on the development of young athletes over the years. On Wednesday night in Kelowna, Wenatchee Wild head coach Don Nachbaur reached one such milestone—his 700th career win in the Western Hockey League (WHL)—joining an exclusive group of coaches who have reached this remarkable feat. However, true to his character, Nachbaur downplayed the significance of the milestone, choosing instead to focus on the effort and performance of the players who helped him get there.
The Wild’s 5-4 victory over the Kelowna Rockets at Prospera Place not only earned Nachbaur the milestone win but also showcased the resilience and depth of his team. Wenatchee’s win came after they had to weather several challenges, including a strong start by Kelowna and multiple counterattacks by the Rockets. After Kelowna opened the scoring on a power play in the first period, the Wild answered back with three consecutive goals. Then, after Kelowna fought to narrow the deficit multiple times, Wenatchee held firm, defending three separate one-goal leads until the final buzzer. The game was a microcosm of the Wild’s grit and determination—qualities that have undoubtedly been cultivated under Nachbaur’s guidance over the years.
Kelowna was the first to strike in the contest, with Michael Cicek scoring on the power play at 13:19 of the first period. The Rockets seemed to have the early momentum, but Wenatchee’s response was quick. The Wild fired 18 shots on net in the second period, and it was just a matter of time before they found the back of the net. The breakthrough came at 9:24 of the second when Maddix McCagherty finished off a 3-on-1 rush with a clinical power play goal, tying the game 1-1. From that point forward, the Wild started to take control of the game.
The second period saw both teams exchange goals in quick succession. Eastyn Mannix, who would go on to have a solid night with a goal and an assist, put Wenatchee ahead 2-1 with a quick release shot to the top corner at 2:45. Less than 90 seconds later, Shaun Rios, one of the Wild’s newest players, scored his first goal in Wenatchee colors, converting a power play opportunity with a shot under the crossbar. The Wild had seized the lead, but Kelowna’s response was immediate. Kanjyu Gojsic scored at 7:02 to tie the game 3-3, and just under four minutes later, he added another goal to give the Rockets a 4-3 lead. The back-and-forth nature of the game made it clear that this contest would be anything but easy for the Wild.
But, as has often been the case for Wenatchee this season, the team responded well to adversity. Lukas McCloskey, who had been a key contributor all night, scored a shorthanded goal at 10:20 of the second period to level the score once again. McCloskey’s goal came after a turnover at the Rockets’ blue line, and his quick, accurate shot beat Kelowna goaltender Jake Pilon to the top corner. This goal was pivotal, as it turned the momentum in favor of the Wild and gave them confidence heading into the final frame.
The third period saw the Wild continue to battle, but it was a new defenseman who would deliver a key moment early on. Just minutes into the third, a shot from one of the Wild’s new defenders found its way into the back of the net to give Wenatchee a 5-4 lead—a lead they would never relinquish. The defenseman’s goal served as a reminder of the importance of depth on any successful team, with contributions coming not only from the forwards but also from the blue line.
Throughout the game, the Wild’s special teams played a crucial role in the victory. Wenatchee went 2-for-4 on the power play, continuing their strong run with the man advantage—this marked their eighth consecutive game with at least one power play goal. This efficiency on special teams helped to swing the game in their favor, particularly as they weathered Kelowna’s attempts to close the gap in the final period.
Despite the intense pressure from the Rockets, Wenatchee’s defense held strong, and goaltender Zach Zahara made key saves to preserve the lead. Zahara, who finished the game with 28 saves, was crucial to the Wild’s success, especially as Kelowna pushed hard for an equalizer. His ability to stay calm under pressure and make timely stops helped Wenatchee secure the win and kept the Rockets at bay during their late-game push.
In the final moments of the game, with Kelowna pulling Pilon for the extra attacker, the Rockets threw everything they could at the Wild, trying to get back into the contest. However, the Wild defense stood firm, and with just 28 seconds left on the clock, Max Graham scored an empty-net goal to seal the victory for Wenatchee. While the scoreline of 5-4 indicated a close contest, the Wild’s ability to maintain their composure under pressure and fend off Kelowna’s attempts to come back was a testament to their discipline and poise.
After the game, head coach Don Nachbaur reflected on the victory, though he was quick to downplay the personal achievement of reaching 700 wins. Instead, Nachbaur focused on the performance of his team, acknowledging that the milestone was only possible because of the hard work and dedication of the players he’s coached throughout his career. “It’s a large number, obviously, but it was never about me. It was about the players on the ice,” Nachbaur said. “I just told the coaches, you need good hockey players to win games, and tonight I had a really good team. I could say that about the first 100 (wins) that I got in Seattle, or I won number 500 in Spokane, but the players are the ones doing the work on the ice, and I appreciate their efforts. The number wouldn’t be there if I didn’t have good players.”
This humility is a hallmark of Nachbaur’s coaching style, and it’s clear that his focus has always been on the development of his players and the success of the team rather than individual accolades. Throughout his long career, which began in 1994 with the Seattle Thunderbirds, Nachbaur has developed a reputation for fostering a strong team-first mentality. His coaching philosophy has led him to numerous successes in the WHL, and his players have consistently praised his ability to get the best out of them.
In this game, several players stood out. Mannix and McCloskey each ended the night with a goal and an assist, showcasing their offensive talents and ability to contribute in multiple areas. Rios also marked his first goal in a Wenatchee uniform, adding to the Wild’s offensive depth. Meanwhile, the younger players on the team, such as McCagherty and the two 16-year-olds on the roster, demonstrated that the Wild’s future looks promising.
On the other side, Kelowna’s Andrew Cristall and Gojsic had standout performances, with Gojsic scoring twice and Cristall contributing two assists. However, despite their individual efforts, the Rockets fell short, as they were unable to overcome the Wild’s offensive and defensive balance. Pilon stopped 37 of 42 shots for Kelowna, but the Rockets’ defensive lapses and the Wild’s ability to capitalize on their opportunities made the difference in the end.
With the victory, Wenatchee improved to 8-10-3-0 on the season, showing that despite their challenges, the team has the resilience to compete in a tough league. The win also provided a boost of confidence, particularly as the Wild continue their road trip with a game against the Portland Winterhawks on Saturday.
For Nachbaur, the focus will remain on continuing to develop his players and getting the most out of the team. While the 700-win milestone is a significant accomplishment, it’s clear that his greatest pride comes from the players he has mentored over the years. As Wenatchee looks to build on this win, it’s clear that under Nachbaur’s leadership, the Wild will continue to fight hard and compete at a high level in the WHL.
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