Wolves Fall in Home Opener
The Sudbury Wolves opened their 40th Anniversary season on home ice Friday night in front of an eager crowd. Despite jumping out to an early lead against the visiting Toronto St. Michael’s Majors, specialty teams struggles contributed to the Pack’s first loss of the season by a final score of 5 – 3.
After opening ceremonies to honour the 40th Anniversary, the home crowd cheered an early goal by BRODY SILK (ALEX RACINO, MATHEW CAMPAGNA) at the 2:12 minute mark of the opening frame. The celebration was short lived when the Majors responded 36 seconds later with an equalized from Junior Harris. The Majors added to their lead just over the midway point of the period with two quick goals from Justin Rasmussen and Joseph Cramarossa taking the 3 – 1 lead into the first intermission.
The Wolves pulled within 1 early in the second period when MICHAEL SGARBOSSA (JOSH LEIVO, RYAN HANES) netted a nice feed for his first goal of the season. The Majors responded at 13:19 with a shorthanded goal by Riley Brice and entered into the second intermission with a second two goal lead.
The Majors added to their lead in the third period with another shortanded marker at 14:56 scored again by Brice. SGARBOSSA (SAM SCHUTT, LEIVO) added his second goal of the night with a powerplay goal in the final minute. That was as close as the Pack would get as they fall to the Majors by a final score of 5 – 3.
Starting in goal from the Wolves was BRENDAN O’NEILL and the rookie made 28 saves in the loss while veteran JP Anderson made 24 saves in the win.
The Wolves will return to home ice on Saturday night as they host division rivals – the Brampton Battalion. Game time is 7:05pm and is sponsored by ATLAS COPCO. Tickets are still available at the Sudbury Arena Box office or by purchasing them online here.
Game Notes: The ceremonial face off featured the first two and longest season ticket holders MAXINE BASEDEN and GORD EWIN……The Wolves powerplay struggled as the team went 1 for 7 and allowed 2 shorthanded goals…..The winner of the 50/50 draw was Nicole Chabot of Sudbury……The announced attendance was 3699.
