Petes Fall 5-2 in the Big Nickel
Friday night lights in the Big Nickel. Hits, goals and tremendous netminding defined the game between the Peterborough Petes vs the Sudbury Wolves. After a long commute up to Sudbury for a Friday night tilt, the maroon and white played a highly competitive game against the Wolves, falling just short in a 5-2 loss.
The first period was defined by tight two-way hockey. Forwards were consistently backchecking to prevent scoring opportunities with the occasional bone-crunching hit, as demonstrated by forward, Jax Dubois:
Looks like you've gotten to know Jax Dubois 💪🏼#GoPetesGo | #GameON pic.twitter.com/FXOGI7QdfA
— Peterborough Petes (@PetesOHLhockey) September 17, 2021
The Wolves led the scoring through the first period, with one each from Ethan Larmand and David Goyette. After both goals, Petes’ goaltender Michael Simpson remained calm and steady as he continued to turn away shots on a series of shorthanded opportunities.
How about this save from Simmer? 🙅🏼#GoPetesGo | #GameON https://t.co/lryge42b3J pic.twitter.com/iVJBCC587F
— Peterborough Petes (@PetesOHLhockey) September 18, 2021
Wolves forward, Evan Konyen scored a quick goal to put the home team up 3-0 early in the second frame. The game continued by following the script of the first period with tons of heavy hits and minor altercations leading to a series of powerplays for both squads. Great cycling plays from the Petes lead to numerous scoring opportunities for boys in maroon and white but the Wolves goaltender, Mitchell Weeks, was there to stop the onslaught.
However, the Petes finally were rewarded for their offensive prowess as they managed to squeeze a shot past Weeks with a one-timer from Justin DeZoete to make it 3-1. DeZoete, who scored his second preseason goal in consecutive games. Kallaway Mercer picked up his second assist of the preseason on the goal.
🚨 GOAL 🚨
Justin DeZoete one-times a feed from Sam Alfano after he out-raced two Wolves for the loose puck!#GoPetesGo | #GameON pic.twitter.com/hqkyO8TzWE
— Peterborough Petes (@PetesOHLhockey) September 18, 2021
The momentum shifted in favour of the Petes as Artem Guryev rifled a shot from the point past the Wolves’ netminder 30 seconds after DeZoete’s goal, to cut the Wolves’ lead 3-2.
TWO GOALS 30 SECONDS APART!@SanJoseSharks prospect Artem Guryev fires a shot from the point and beats Mitchell Weeks to make this a one-goal game! 🚨#GoPetesGo | #GameON pic.twitter.com/3d36lVULxF
— Peterborough Petes (@PetesOHLhockey) September 18, 2021
If two goals weren’t enough, the beautiful desperation behind-the-back save by Simpson, spiked the Lift Lock lads momentum even higher.
OH. MY. GOD. 🤩
@SIMPSON31_ with the desperate behind-the-back save to keep this a one-goal game!#GoPetesGo | #GameON pic.twitter.com/GZu9G1P7lO
— Peterborough Petes (@PetesOHLhockey) September 18, 2021
The third period was very steady with play going up and down the ice for the majority of the 20 minutes. There was the occasional creative play by both teams which resulted in good chances however, the goaltenders continued their stellar play. One play, in particular, stood out during the period, with Petes defenceman Konnor Smith channelling his inner Nik Kronwall and laying out an opponent trying to prevent an offensive attack from the Wolves.
You've been Smith-d 😏 pic.twitter.com/Uja9CvpRDo
— Peterborough Petes (@PetesOHLhockey) September 18, 2021
Ultimately, the Petes came short against the Wolves, however, it was a very entertaining pre-season matchup. If tonight was any indication about how the season series is going to roll out against the Wolves this year, Petes fans, you’re in for an absolute treat.
The Petes will welcome fans to the Peterborough Memorial Center next Thursday, September 23 at 7:30 pm as they welcome the Sarnia Sting.
Tickets for all preseason home games are available through the PMC Grant Thornton Box Office in person and over the phone at (705) 743-3561 Wednesday – Friday from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, and 24 hours a day online.
