Sudbury Wolves Recap: Tough stretch at Home.
The Wolfpack had a frustrating home game doubleheader on Friday the 17th and Sunday the 19th. The Wolves faced off with both the North Bay Battalion (3-2), and Niagara Icedogs (5-4). North Bay sits at 8th in the Eastern conference two spots behind the Wolves, and Niagara sits one position behind them at 7th. A playoff berth is still in sight for Sudbury at 6th.
Both games were very hotly contested and had the crowds on the edge of their seats in excitement. But this pair of matchups would not go their way, despite valiant efforts. Strong performances were had by some key team favourites, such as Drake Pilon #28 with a goal vs North Bay, and Dimitry Sokolov #98 with a goal in each game. Macauley Carson #18 also scored his own pair of goals vs Niagara.
A contributing factor to the Wolves tough matchups had to be the multiple penalties earned in this weekend. Box regulars the Pilon brothers (Darian #29 and Drake) added to their season tally, as well as Zach Wilkie #37 and Patrick Sanvido #2. The Wolves currently rank rather high on the league penalty minutes list, but that only proves the Wolfpack are not to be taken lightly if things get physical.
On to the recaps!
Sudbury Wolves vs North Bay
The first game of the two game stretch saw the Wolves coming off a loss to the Soo Greyhounds in a largely one sided affair against the 2nd ranked team in the opposing conference. Looking to make a statement that they are serious post-season contenders, the Wolves were looking for a win. Largely held back for the first period, the boys would come to life in the second and third periods to force the issue into overtime. Despite this strong showing, the Wolfpack would ultimately finish just a goal shy.
Goals and noteworthy performers for Sudbury were: Drake Pilon with his goal in the 2nd, Sokolov with his goal in the 3rd, as well as team Captain Kyle Capobianco with assists on both goals.
Goals and noteworthy performers for the Battalion were: Daniil Vertiy #23 in the 1st, Justin Brazeau #17 in the 3rd, and Steve Harland #28.
Sudbury Wolves vs Niagara Icedogs
Following the close game vs North Bay, looking to get back on track the boys were chomping at the bit to prove themselves. Sunday was very special night for the community and the organization as the Wolfpack were sporting their Super hero jerseys in support of the NEO KIDs Foundation. Decked out in Batman colors and costume the team came together for a great cause.
The Wolves were denied several attempts in the first and struggled to mount significant defence, however they came back in force in the 2nd and 3rd periods. Midway through the second, Sudbury would swap the goalie and Mackenzie Savard would relieve for Jake McGrath for the remainder of the game.
Ultimately the result wouldn’t change as the Icedogs would hold on to their early lead regardless of the late rally by the Wolfpack. Again they fell just short of a win, losing by a single goal difference.
Goals and noteworthy performers for Sudbury were: Michael Pezzetta #13 in the 2nd, 2 goals by Maucauley Carson in the 2nd and 3rd and the late goal by Dimitry Sokolov in the 3rd.
Goals and noteworthy performers for Niagara were: Aaron Haydon #28 with a 1st period goal, followed by 2nd period goals by Justin Brack #27, Ondrej Machala #20, Kirill Maksimov #13, and Oliver Castleman #15.
The Wolves next home game is February 26th vs the Mississauga Steelheads.
Anthony Crozzoli
Anthony is a Laurentian and Cambrian Alumni who is a lifelong fan of athletics, spicy foods, and romcoms. Loves his 2 for 1 wings at the Doghouse. He’s here to keep you in the know about our local varsity sports scene!
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