The Henderson Silver Knights turned a scoreless preseason opener into a 4-1 win over the Tucson Roadrunners on Saturday night, getting contributions from several young players in Joel Ward’s first game behind the bench as Henderson’s head coach.
Henderson scored twice in the second period and added two more in the third while Carl Lindbom stopped 26 of 27 shots. Mathieu Cataford and Samuel Mayer each finished with a goal and an assist, while Lucas Johansen had two assists.
The Silver Knights also killed all four Tucson power plays and went 1-for-6 with the man advantage.
Henderson answers quickly
Neither team scored in the first period, but Henderson broke through during a stretch of special-teams play in the second.
Mayer opened the scoring at 8:46 on the power play, taking a feed from Cataford and beating Tucson goaltender Jaxson Stauber. Johansen also assisted.
The lead lasted only 49 seconds. Sammy Walker tied the game at 9:35, but Henderson answered almost immediately.
Alex Weiermair scored just 16 seconds later off assists from Joe Fleming and Riley McKay, restoring the Silver Knights’ lead at 2-1.
Ward said Weiermair showed more than his offensive ability in his first preseason appearance.
“Really good skill,” Ward said. “I actually thought he dug in the faceoffs too which was good to see.”
Ward said consistency will be important for Weiermair as camp continues.
“For him it’s just being consistent at it,” Ward said. “Going to be some challenges of course, but I thought tonight he took a step forward and did a good job.”
Cataford continues strong preseason
Cataford extended Henderson’s lead to 3-1 at 6:47 of the third, scoring off assists from Viliam Kmec and Johansen.
The second-year forward has carried momentum from the rookie tournament into training camp. Ward said the biggest difference has been Cataford’s confidence.
“I think the rookie tournament he took a step forward of being more of a leader,” Ward said. “He’s got more experience and you can see it out here again tonight.”
Cataford said his offseason work has helped him play faster.
“I feel lighter on the ice a little bit faster,” Cataford said. “And I think that helps me like create more plays.”
Jakub Demek added Henderson’s fourth goal at 12:54, with Sloan Stanick and Mayer picking up the assists.
Lindbom handles Tucson push
Tucson generated its heaviest pressure in the third period, outshooting Henderson 17-6, but Lindbom did not allow another goal.
Henderson also spent significant time shorthanded. The Silver Knights took three minor penalties in the third, but Tucson finished 0-for-4 on the power play.
Cataford credited Lindbom for helping Henderson finish the game.
“At the end of the day, we just played the right way and Carl played good for us in the pipes as well,” Cataford said.
Ward viewed the special-teams situations as useful evaluation opportunities in a preseason game filled with players competing for roles.
“We had some different killers out there,” Ward said. “A lot of guys played in a little different areas.”
Henderson finished with nine players recording at least one point. Cataford, Mayer and Johansen were named the game’s three stars.
For Ward, who takes over the Silver Knights after Ryan Craig moved to the Vegas Golden Knights staff, the result offered an encouraging first look at the roster.
“I thought a lot of guys stepped up, played really well tonight,” Ward said. “Once we got our feet going, everyone kind of contributed and followed.”
Up next
The Silver Knights continue their preseason Sunday against the Colorado Eagles at Tucson Convention Center Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 3 p.m. Pacific.
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Dice City Sports editor Mark Hebert covers the Las Vegas Aces, Vegas Golden Knights, Las Vegas Raiders, Athletics, and UNLV baseball and softball. He has 24 years of journalism experience, is also a senior reporter at Exhibit City News, and previously covered the Dallas Stars and Texas Rangers. Follow him on X or connect on LinkedIn.
