Hunter’s Night
It was a night for the history books Friday night when the Memorial Cup hosts, the London Knights visited the Nickel City for the only time this season. The Sudbury Wolves honoured former wolf and London Knights co-owner and head coach Dale Hunter prior to the game by retiring #15, in front of the 4535 fans at the Sudbury Arena Friday night.
During the pre game ceremony, Dale was joined at centre ice by his father, Dick Hunter and son, Dylan Hunter, as well as Sudbury Wolves Director Tim Edwards, General Manager Blaine Smith and Director of Education and long time season ticket holder, Gord Ewin as he was presented with a tribute video, commemorative plaque and print. His banner is now the fourth banner to be raised to the rafters of the Sudbury Community Arena and joins Sudbury Greats, Mike Foligno, Ron Duguay and Randy Carlyle.
The Knights got on the board first on a shorthanded goal by their captain and leading scorer, CHRIS TIERNEY just over 8 minutes into the first frame. The Wolves got back one of their own to even the score on a goal by NATHAN PANCEL. CRIAG DUININCK and RAY HUETHER drew assists on the power play marker. Before the period closed out, the Wolves took a 2-1 lead over the visitors on a power play goal by DOMINIK KAHUN. The Wolves were 2 for 6 on the man-advantage.
Early in the second, the Knights tied the game up at two goals apiece on their second shorthanded goal of the night, before ALEX BASSO would put the Knights ahead 3-2.
The third period would remain scoreless, despite a number of close chances for both teams, particularly for the Wolves in the dying minutes of the game.
Final shots on net were 42-41 in favour of the Knight as they took this one by a final of 3-2.
The Wolves played a hard fought game and will take a number of positives into Saturday night’s game when they host their northern rivals, the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Game time is 7:00pm. There are a number of great seats still available. The box office will open prior to the game at 4:00pm for fans to purchase tickets or visit www.greatersudbury.ca!
