Wild Card entry Whitby moves to 2-0 after second win on Wednesday
The Wild Card entry Whitby Wildcats become the first two-win team on Day 1 of the 2023 OHL Cup, holding off a late push from the Mississauga Senators to secure a 3-2 victory.
Senators netminder Jack Ivankovic was busy right from the jump, facing 13 shots in the first period alone.
It took a rebound goal from Drew McLennan (1) to break the deadlock: the Wildcats defenceman stepped up to join the play and beat Ivankovic just 29 seconds into the second period.
Forward Caden Taylor would reply for the Senators (2), converting on a feed from defenceman Jayden Connors with 5:04 remaining in the middle frame.
Less than a minute later, the Wildcats would take back their lead, with forward Weslee Crosswell setting up his linemate Ethan Proctor for his second goal of the day. Crosswell (1) scored the game-winning goal on a breakaway 3:16 into the third period.
“The puck came out into the middle of the ice and I bounced on it,” said Crosswell.
“I just shot it hoping it went in and I’m glad it did.”
Despite a late goal from Connors (1), the Wildcats held on for the win thanks to a massive save from Gabe Donohue as the seconds counted down.
Donahue stopped 24 of 26 shots for the win, following up on a 25-save performance in the Wild Card round. Ivankovic stopped 36 shots in the loss.
Coming off a 3-1 win over the Central Ontario Wolves, Whitby entered the day with momentum and continued to build upon it in their two wins today. Crosswell explained that the energy on the Wildcats’ bench is palpable.
“Everyone’s excited. Everyone’s bouncing,” he said.
“It’s really energetic. It’s sick.”
The Wildcats will look to continue their unbeaten run in matchups versus the Barrie Colts (12:30 pm) and London Jr. Knights (4:45 pm) tomorrow. Mississauga, who went 1-1-0 today, takes on the Southern Tier Admirals (3:30 pm) in their lone game tomorrow.
BARDOWN PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Wildcats – Weslee Crosswell (F) – 1G, 1A
Senators – Jayden Connors (D) – 1G, A
