THUNDER BAY – SPORTS – The Thunderwolves took to the ice looking to reverse a three game season opening losing streak.
The Bisons got off to a fast start putting the puck behind Devin Green at 1:41 of the opening period. Kamerin Nault potted the shot assisted by #24 Justin Augert.
The TWolves responded following a two minute trip to the sin bin by #12 Nick Zajic for slashing and then 55 seconds into the power play with #9 Rene Hunter getting the gate for delay of game.
For the first half of the power play the Wolves made the most of their chances and almost tied the game.
Moving through the first six minutes, the Thunderwolves were leading on shots on net 6-4.
However the Wolves ran into a little trouble getting the puck cleared out of their end led to a couple of great shots on net, and #28 Brett Stovin for the Bisons taking the lead to a pair of goals. Assisting were #18 Dylan Kelly and #20 Garrett Johnston.
At 9:37, #11 Cody Alcock was tagged for slashing, the Bison’s pressed hard, and were contained by the TWolves in a show of penalty killing power.
Penalty woes continued to hit the Wolves, #15 Devin Fullum was popped in the box for cross-checking at 16:17. The Wolves played offensively on the penalty killing giving fans a few moments to cheer on a two on one. Justin Paulic for the Bisons has played strong between the pipes, keeping the Wolves off the scoresheet.
With two solid scoring efforts, the Wolves looked more like they had the man advantage. This has to build confidence for the team even though they are down by a pair.
With one minute left in the period, the Thunderwolves headed onto the power play as #9 Rene Hunter was banished to the sin bin for holding.
The period ended with the TWolves down by a pair.
Shots on Goal after one period Thunderwolves 10 – Bisons 10.
The second period got off to a rough start at the Bisons scored a shorthanded goal at the 19 second mark. Green bobbled the puck after a shot that rebounded off the board behind the Thunderwolves net. #22 Bret Bowles fired the puck into the twine assisted by #9 Rene Hunter.
The Thunderwolves responded seconds at the 35 second mark, with Cody Alcock potting the puck behind Justin Paulic to bring the score to a 3-1 deficit. #27 Linden Springer assisted on the goal.
Battle Between Thunderwolves and Bisons
The determination of both teams erupted during the period as a battle along the boards in the Thunderwolves end resulted in a battle between the teams, that led to a slew of penalties including a pair of game misconducts.
The battle started, it appears from the video when the Thunderwolves goaltender got a stick to the helmet. The battles continued along the Bisons’ net.
The Thunderwolves capitalized on the ensuing power play to bring the game to a 3-2 score. #5 Tyler Anton put the puck behind the Bisons goaltender assisted by #3 Justin Sefton.
Shots on Goal After Two Periods tied at 19 a side.
Third Period Action
The Thunderwolves pressed into the opening minutes of the period, bringing some renewed enthusiasm after a solid second period.
At the 4:32 minute of the 3rd, #27 was tagged for slashing. The penalty caught up to the Wolves at after a long scramble behind the net, the Bisons ended up putting the puck behind Green.
Scoring the the Bisons was #14 Kamerin Nault assisted by #22 Brad Bowles at 6:38 on the power play.
With 8:13 left, the Bisons narrowly missed a chance at #25 Shaw Merasty rang the puck off the post.
The Thunderwolves closed the gap to a single goal on a blistering slap shot from #27 Linden Springer which caught the Bisons goaltender handcuffed. The unassisted goal fired up the crowd and had the Wolves looking for more.
The Wolves headed onto the power play with 5:13 left as #24 Justin Augert was snagged for tripping.
The Wolves wasted little time capitalizing with #24 Ainsworth putting a shot on net and behind Justin Paulic. #11 Cdoy Alcock and #3 drew the assists.
At 16:54, the Bisons took the lead again on a pretty goal that put the score back to a lead of one goal 5-4.
With 1:15 left the Wolves pulled the goaltender,
Shots on Net: Thunderwolves 25 – Bisons 26
Attendance: 1714
