The Indy Fuel capped off their weekend with a dominant defensive performance, shutting out the Kalamazoo Wings 2-0 on the road Sunday. Goaltender Joe Vrbetic was the star of the game, delivering his second consecutive shutout to secure the victory.

Coming off a taxing overtime loss the previous night, the Fuel showed signs of fatigue early on, managing just four shots on goal in the first 14 minutes of the opening period. Despite the slow start, Indy found their rhythm while keeping Kalamazoo in check. The Wings managed only one shot on goal in the first period, compared to nine from the Fuel.

Kalamazoo’s Travis Broughman was sent to the penalty box for hooking at 7:59 of the first period. Just 25 seconds into the ensuing power play, Ethan Manderville capitalized with his first professional goal, giving the Fuel a 1-0 lead they would never relinquish.

Tensions flared in the second period, highlighted by a physical exchange at 12:21. Multiple roughing penalties were assessed, including a double minor on Kalamazoo’s Ayden MacDonald, and a fight broke out between Indy’s Nathan Noel and Kalamazoo’s Ted Nichol. The Wings successfully killed off the Fuel’s subsequent power play, but the momentum remained with Indy. The Fuel outshot the Wings 9-5 in the period, carrying their 1-0 lead into the final frame.

The third period was a quieter affair, with limited chances for both teams. Kalamazoo’s only penalty came at 7:52 for delay of game after the puck was shot out of play. Indy’s defense remained impenetrable, and Vrbetic continued to frustrate the Wings’ attackers. With time winding down, Kevin Lombardi sealed the victory for Indy, scoring an empty-net goal at 19:06 to make it 2-0.

Indy’s dominance was reflected in the shot totals, as they outshot Kalamazoo 28-14 over the course of the game. The Fuel’s disciplined defensive effort and Vrbetic’s stellar goaltending proved to be the difference in a weekend that showcased the team’s resilience and grit.

The Fuel will look to build on this momentum as they return home for their next matchup, Wednesday against the Bloomington Bison at the Fishers Event Center, 7pm.