THUNDER BAY – LU SPORTS – Opening game of the season saw the Lakehead Thunderwolves taking on the Windsor Lancers.
The Thunderwolves and Lancers battled through the first period to a defensive draw. There were no goals for the first 20 minutes. Both sides had some solid scoring opportunities, with one slapshot bouncing off the post behind Devin Green in the LU net.
The Wolves had several opportunities, including a great scoring opportunity that ended when the puck lofted over the net.
Shots LU: 7 – Lancers 5
Second Period
The Lancers got to a one goal lead on a spin-around shot by Steve Anthony that got between Green’s pads. Assisting was Tyson Ness, and Justice Dundas. Time of the goal 1:19.
The Thunderwolves were pressing hard to get the score evened off. Playing short-handed #21 Trevor Hynes got away on a break-away that almost got past Blake Richards in the Lancer’ net.
The Lancers got off to a two goal lead on a shot that got behind Green. Scoring play by #25 Kyle Haas, assisted by Dylan Denomme and Sebastian Beauregard. Time of the goal, 12:07 of the second.
The Thunderwolves got one by Richards in a tough fought battle in front of the Lancers goal.
The goal, his first as a Thunderwolf was scored by Devin Fullum. Drawing assists were Trevor Hynnes and Jake Ringuette. Time of the goal 16:14.
The Wolves continued to press and the work paid off. With 1:05 left Stan Schutt fired the disk behind Richards, assisted by Jake Ringuette, and Carson Dubchak to tie the game at a pair aside.
Shots LU: 17 – Lancers 15
Third Period
The Lancers pulled ahead at the 4:02 mark of the third period. An unassisted goal by Justice Dundas on a shot that somehow got through Green, after a couple of seconds made the score 3-2.
A check leveled Thunderwolves player, and led to a short altercation in front of the Lancer’s bench. The Lancers were hit with a penalty for the hit to the head.
The Thunderwolves went on the power play and Dylan pounced quickly to tie the game.
The Wolves took the lead on a hard charging goal scored by Kelin Ainsworth on the beak-away. The play started as a two on one when the Lancers coughed up the puck. Assisting on the goal was Carson Dubchak. The short-handed goal was scored at 16:09 of the third.
Final score Thunderwolves 4, Windsor Lancers 3.
Shots LU Thunderwolves 26 Windsor Lancers 25
The teams have a rematch at the Fort William Gardens at 7:00PM.
Three Stars: All from the Lakehead Thunderwolves.
1. Jake Ringuette
2. Kelin Ainsworth
3. Carson Dubchak.
Attendance: 2031