Wolves Fall to Battalion
The Wolves came up short against their divisional and territorial rivals Friday night when the North Bay Battalion visited for the first time this season. The match finished with a final score of 3-1 for the Battalion, with the Wolves’ lone goal coming on the penalty kill from newest member of the pack, CRAIG DUININCK.
Both teams started the game with a number of good chances at both ends of the rink, however it was rookie and 2013 import draft pick VINCENT PRAPLAN who found the back of the net midway through the period for the Battalion on a cross-ice pass from MIKE AMADIO. The Wolves outshot the Battalion 7-6 after the first 20 minutes of play.
In the second period, both goaltenders faced 15 shots apiece. Battalion forward VINCENT PRAPLAN would notch his second goal of the game to give the visiting team a 2-0 lead less than two minutes into the second period. The Wolves had numerous opportunities to score however, Battalion goaltender JAKE SMITH came up with some big-league saves to keep his team ahead of the Wolfpack. Shots on goal after 40 minutes of play were 22-21 in favour of the Wolves.
With just under five minutes remaining in the third and final period, Wolves’ newcomer CRAIG DUININCK notched a shorthanded goal off a clean facoff win from MATHEW CAMPANGA to close the gap by a goal.
With chances continuing at both ends of the rink, the Wolves added the extra attacker for a final chance to tie up the game. However, with a turnover in the defensive zone the Battalion were able to gain control and forced the puck back into the Wolves zone. PRAPLAN was eager to complete his hat-trick and outworked the Wolves defender to backhanded one into the empty net to end the Wolves hope at completing the comeback.
The Wolves will rest up tomorrow before they are back in action on Sunday at home for their first Sunday afternoon matchup of the season as the Niagara IceDogs come to town. Game time is 2:00 p.m. Great seats are still available at the Sudbury Arena Box office or online at www.greatersudbury.ca. Sunday’s Game is sponsored by A & W. Kids 12 and under, accompanied by an adult will receive admission for only $10.
Molson 3-stars:
1 – Jake Smith
2 – Franky Palazzese
3- Vincent Praplan
