By: Ben Leonard

photo credit: San Jose Barracuda: SJ Barracuda drop a close one in overtime in Iowa to the Wild Saturday night

All season long, we’ve been watching San Jose Barracuda (18-10-4-3) head coach Roy Sommer’s win total to see when he’d reach the all-time AHL record for coaching wins — 636 set by Fred “Bun” Cook. He almost tied Cook’s record, until a quick Iowa Wild  (10-25-2-3) goal in overtime kept him just one win short in a 2-1 loss — 635 will just have to do for now.

The Barracuda still haven’t suffered a regulation loss in its list nine contests, and appear poised to help Sommer tie and pass Cook in the very near future. The ‘Cuda take on the Bakersfield Condors on Monday, and the Ontario Reign on Friday.

“Cuda right winger Trevor Parkes scored first for both squads, breaking the scoreless game two minutes into the second period with his seventh goal of the season. Parkes was assisted by Gus Young and Bryan Lerg on a difficult quick shot, helping the Barracuda take a 1-0 lead into the third period. ‘Cuda goalie Aaron Dell had saved 31 shots in those first two periods — until the Wild struck back.

Center Jordan Schroeder picked up his ninth goal of the season, beating Dell on a very close shot after several rebounds to tie the game with just over fifteen minutes left to play in the contest. Dell would go on to save the rest of the shots, giving him 44 in regulation — until overtime came around.

The first chance the Wild had, it cashed in — Gustav Olofsson took the team’s first shot in regulation, and kept Sommer waiting by beating Dell in the top of the net with his first goal of the season.