Whitecourt, AB – The Whitecourt Wolverines (11-4-3) continued to roll on Friday night as they extended their win streak to a season-high five games thanks to a 4-1 decision over the visiting Fort McMurray Oil Barons (12-2-1).
The Wolverines were back on their heels to start the game as the Oil Barons had a sustained attack in the opening moments which lead to them garnering back-to-back power play opportunities. The Wolverines penalty kill was able to get the job done and turn the momentum to their side. With his team on a power play, Tyr Thompson opened the scoring after taking a pass in the left-wing circle from Ryley Smith and rifling a shot top-shelf past Baron’s goalie Eric Szudor. Just over three minutes later, with the teams playing four-on-four, Wolverine captain Ryan Grant circled in behind the Fort McMurray net and emerged in the right-wing circle where he snapped a shot far-side to increase his team’s lead to 2-0. The Wolverines would carry that lead into the first intermission following an intense and penalty-filled opening frame that saw a combined eight minor penalties taken.
The Wolverines extended their lead on another power play goal 8:25 into the second period with Matt Monk drilling home a one-timer from the left-wing circle on a cross-ice setup by Mackenzie Harden, the goal was Monk’s first career AJHL goal and point. Shortly after the 3-0 goal, the Oil Barons had a chance to cut into the Wolverine’s lead as Nicholas Leeseberg broke in all alone but was thwarted by a highlight-reel glove save by Xavier Potvin. The offence kept coming for the home side later in the period as Smith made a great play in his own zone to spring Thompson and Harden on a two-on-one rush where Thompson elected to keep and shoot for his second goal of the night. The Barons were able to end the run of unanswered Wolverine goals with a late marker from Jack Hamly to reduce his team’s deficit to three heading into the third period.
The third period saw the Wolverines hem the Oil Barons in their own zone and limit them to just six shots on net, all of which were stopped by Potvin. A dominating third period for the Wolverines concluded with the score locked at 4-1 in their favor.
The Wolverines return to action Saturday night at 7 p.m. in Sherwood Park as they battle the Crusaders (7-8-1).
Friday’s game was the Wolverines Annual Pink in the Rink and bra toss game. The team raised $552.50 for breast cancer research and awareness.
Scoring Summary
1st Period:
WCT Goal – 11:11 – Tyr Thompson(5) from Ryley Smith and Matthew Monk (PP)
WCT Goal – 14:25 – Ryan Grant(1) from Tyr Thompson (EV)
2nd Period:
WCT Goal – 8:25 – Matthew Monk(1) from Mackenzie Harden and Tyr Thompson (PP)
WCT Goal – 14:22 – Tyr Thompson(6) from Ryley Smith and Tanner Foster (EV)
FM Goal – 18:18 – Jack Hamly(5) from Lucas Yovetich (EV)
3rd Period:
No Scoring
Shots – WCT 41 (11-13-17) FM 32 (10-16-6)
Power plays – WCT 2/6 FM 0/4
Goalies:
WCT – Xavier Potvin (9-3-3) 30sv/31sh
FM – Eric Szudor (9-1-1) 37sv/41sh
Three Star Selection:
1. WCT-Tyr Thompson (2g, 2a)
2. WCT-Xavier Potvin (30sv, W)
3. WCT-Matthew Monk (1g, 1a)
Hardest Working Wolverine: Ryley Smith (2a) and Ben Evanish.
Recap presented by:
