THUNDER BAY – SPORTS – The Lakehead Thunderwolves downed Nipissing 4-2 in front of 1837 fans at the Fort William Gardens on Friday night to sweep the two-game series with the Lakers.
Kelin Ainsworth scored the only goal of the first period when he broke in alone on Lakers’ netminder Talor Joseph and stuffed the puck between his pads while the Wolves were short-handed at 19:12. Grant Valiquette and Tyler Anton were credited with the assists.
Billy Jenkins scored on a one-timer from the slot after receiving a nice feed from Matt Alexander and Brennen Dubchak late in the second period to give Lakehead a 2-0 lead after 40 minutes.
Anton knocked in a rebound 3:37 into the third with Ainsworth getting the helper to put the Wolves up 3-0, and it looked like Lakehead would cruise to victory.
But Nipissing’s Erik Robichaud finally solved Wolves’ goalie Justin McDonald at 5:10, and Danny Desrochers scored on a backhand deke 94 seconds later to cut Lakehead’s lead to 3-2.
Cody Alcock gave the Wolves a two-goal cushion with a rocket from the face-off circle set up by Ainsworth and Dylan Butler at 10:04 to round out the scoring.
On the night, Lakehead went 0-for-3 on the power play, while Nipissing was 0-for-4.
Total shots on goal were 41-31 for the Thunderwolves.
The Molson three stars of the game were:
- Kelin Ainsworth, Lakehead
- Justin McDonald, Lakehead
- Cody Alcock, Lakehead
The Wolves will be at home next Friday and Saturday for an OUA West Division showdown with the Brock Badgers.
