The Indy Fuel overcame an early deficit and scored the go-ahead goal late in the third period to defeat the Kalamazoo Wings 3-2 Saturday night at Wings Event Center.

Kalamazoo grabbed the early momentum when Griffin Ness scored just 2:32 into the opening period. The physical tone of the game was set moments later when Indy’s Chris Cameron and Kalamazoo’s Spencer Kennedy dropped the gloves at 2:36, each receiving five-minute fighting majors.

The Fuel responded midway through the first period on the power play. Lee Lapid scored at the 8:32 mark, finishing a play set up by Jesse Tucker and Trevor Zins to tie the game at 1-1.

Kalamazoo quickly regained the lead just one minute later when Nolan Walker found the back of the net at 9:32, putting the Wings ahead 2-1.

Both teams traded chances the remainder of the period, with Kalamazoo outshooting Indy 12-7 in the opening frame. Special teams also played a role early, but neither side was able to convert on several power-play opportunities.

The Fuel evened the score in the second period when Tyler Paquette scored his fifth goal of the season at 4:34. Tyler Weiss picked up the assist on the play as Indy tied the game 2-2.

The rest of the second period featured tight checking and strong goaltending at both ends of the ice. Kalamazoo held a narrow 22-20 advantage in shots on goal after 40 minutes, but neither team could break the deadlock.

That changed in the third period.

With just under seven minutes remaining, Cameron and Kalamazoo’s Andrew Ghantous were each sent to the penalty box for roughing as the physical play continued.

Moments later, Dustin Manz delivered the game-winning goal for Indy. Manz scored with assists from Michael Marchesan and Trevor Zins, giving the Fuel a 3-2 lead. The assist marked Zins’ second point of the night.

Kalamazoo pulled goaltender Aku Koskenvuo with just over two minutes remaining in an attempt to tie the game, but the Fuel defense held strong through several late Wings chances.

When the final horn sounded, the Fuel had secured the 3-2 road victory, continuing their push in the ECHL standings, solidifying their third place status in the Western Conference Central Division .