THUNDER BAY – SPORTS – In a crucial series heading into the final stretch of the regular season, the Lakehead Thunderwolves will host the York Lions this Friday and Saturday at the Fort William Gardens, with the opening face-off set for 7:00 PM both nights.
The Records
Lakehead: 10-8-3 OUA (6th place West Division)
York: 14-8-1 OUA (3rd place West Division)
Last Time Out
The Thunderwolves dropped both games at home to the Western Mustangs last weekend, falling 6-2 on Friday night, but were able to gain one point in the standings in a 3-2 overtime loss on Saturday.
York recorded two victories last weekend, edging Ryerson 3-2 at the Mattamy Centre on Friday night before blanking Brock 3-0 back on the Lions’ home ice last Saturday.
Series History
The Wolves have the advantage in the all-time series with York, posting a record of 34-21 versus the Lions.
More recently, Lakehead played twice at York earlier this season and lost two close contests; a 4-2 decision on November 11 and a 5-4 overtime loss on January 12.
NCF Jersey Auction Friday
The Thunderwolves will be wearing special “one time only” jerseys on Friday night and fans can bid on them at a silent auction table in the lobby of the Gardens. Now in its 11th year, this initiative has so far raised over $20,000 in net proceeds in support of the Northern Cancer Fund.
About the Lions
The Lions are the defending OUA Queen’s Cup champions, an impressive feat considering York finished dead last in the ten-team OUA West Division just two seasons prior.
York netminder Mack Shields has the lowest goals-against average of any tender in the OUA West Division (2.33), but splits time in goal with partner Alex Fotinos, who sports a GAA that is almost as good (2.57).
Forwards Trevor Petersen and Colton Vannucci are the Lions’ top two point-getters, but defenceman Derek Sheppard is a scoring threat from the back end as well.
Head Coach Russ Herrington is in his first season behind the Lions’ bench after two years as an assistant.
