Vienneau Backstops Wolves to Victory
The Sudbury Wolves were back in action on Sunday for a matinee contest against the Brampton Battalion. The Wolves were successful in avenging last year’s first round playoff defeat to the hands of the Battalion as they came out on top by a score of 4-1. The win improved the packs early season record to 2-0. The Wolves were led by the strong play of JOEL VIENNEAU who was fantastic in goal for Wolves stopping 30 of the 31 shots he faced.
The first period saw the goalies steal the show as neither team was able to find the back of the net through the opening 20 minutes of play, sending the players to the dressing room tied 0-0 at the first intermission. The Battalion out-shot the Wolves 11-10 in a scoreless first period.
It did not take long for the Wolves to get on the board in the second as JOSH LEIVO brought the Wolves fans to their feet with a dazzling end-to-end rush for the go ahead goal. The goal would hold up to give the Wolves a 1-0 lead heading into the second intermission. Although it did not pay off on the scoreboard the Battalion had a strong period as they held the edge in shots in the second by a margin of 14-8.
The third period remained scoreless late in the third until NATHAN PANCEL banged home a rebound on the power play to extend the lead 2-0. One minute and nine seconds later PANCEL would once again find the back of the net as he fired the puck the length of the ice into the gaping net. The goal marked PANCEL’S second of the game and third of the season. The Battalion refused to go away quietly as they finally ended JOEL VIENNEAU’S shutout bid when JAMIE LEWIS beat VIENNEAU on the short side. CHARLIE DODERO would add to the flurry of late 3rd period goals as he scored empty net goal to seal the win for the home team by a margin of 4-1. The Wolves outshot the Battalion in the third frame 8-6.
The Wolves will now head on the road for a long 6 game road trip starting next Friday when they face-off against the Saginaw Spirit. Tune into KFM 95.5 to listen to the action, as STEW KERNAN will have the call of the game.
The Wolves are back in action at home on October 12th at 7:35 pm. when they host the Saginaw Spirit. Tickets for the game are still available and can be purchased at the Sudbury Arena box office or by calling (705) 671-3000. The game will be sponsored by KICX 91.7.
Molson 3 Stars
1. Joel Vienneau
2. Frank Corrado
3. Josh Leivo
