The Henderson Silver Knights gave Joel Ward a win in his first official game as head coach Saturday night, using a three-point performance from Tanner Laczynski, two goals from Alexander Holtz and an AHL debut goal from Alex Weiermair to beat the Bakersfield Condors 4-3 at Lee’s Family Forum.
Henderson built a 2-0 lead through two periods, then answered each Bakersfield push in a frantic third. The Silver Knights finished with 31 shots, went 1-for-4 on the power play and killed five of Bakersfield’s six chances with the man advantage.
Ward said the offense came from the way Henderson worked to create second opportunities.
“For the guys just getting inside and, you know, creating some opportunities, I thought the puck recovery was great as well,” Ward said.
Weiermair opens the scoring
Henderson controlled much of the first period and outshot Bakersfield 15-4.
Weiermair broke through at 7:43, attacking from the wing and beating Connor Ungar with a wrist shot for his first AHL goal in his league debut. Adam Ginning and Jeremy Davies picked up the assists.
The goal continued a strong early stretch for Weiermair, who also scored during Henderson’s preseason win over Tucson.
Laczynski said Weiermair’s work ethic has stood out.
“I like the way he works,” Laczynski said. “He’s obviously got some skill with his game.”
The game also became physical in the second period, with Mitch McLain and Joe Fleming involved in separate fights during the same stoppage.
Holtz, Laczynski take over
Henderson doubled the lead at 13:26 of the second.
Laczynski created the play along the boards and carried into a 2-on-1 before sending the puck across to Holtz, who finished for his first goal of the season. Jonas Røndbjerg also assisted.
The Condors finally broke through at 7:39 of the third when Daniel D’Amato cut the lead to 2-1, but Henderson responded less than three minutes later.
Laczynski controlled the puck high in the offensive zone, worked laterally to create a shooting lane and scored at 10:04 for a 3-1 lead.
Bakersfield answered again just 54 seconds later. William Nicholl got behind the defense, and Carl Lindbom stopped the initial chance before Connor Clattenburg converted the rebound to make it 3-2.
Henderson responded again on the power play. With Seth Griffith in the penalty box, Laczynski controlled the puck on the right side and carried behind the net before creating a chance in front. Holtz finished at 15:52 for his second goal of the night and the eventual game-winner.
Laczynski said familiarity helped the line create chances.
“We just kind of seem to be finding each other,” Laczynski said.
Penalties keep Bakersfield alive
Henderson did not make the finish easy.
The Silver Knights took eight penalties and gave Bakersfield six power-play opportunities. Ward identified discipline as one of the first things he wants corrected.
“Hopefully stay out of the penalty box. It would be a good start,” Ward said.
A late delay-of-game penalty on Ville Heinola gave Bakersfield another opportunity. Quinn Hutson scored on the power play at 18:51, cutting the lead to 4-3 with 1:09 remaining.
The Condors continued to press with the extra attacker, but Henderson survived the final push. Lindbom finished with 25 saves on 28 shots.
For Ward, the victory capped his first official night behind the Henderson bench after taking over the Silver Knights this season. Weiermair said the players understood what the moment meant.
“He’s a really inspirational guy,” Weiermair said. “I was super happy to get the win for him and for the team as well.”
Up next
The Silver Knights and Condors run it back Sunday at Lee’s Family Forum. Puck drop is scheduled for 5 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.
