It took the Waterloo Wolves a game more then they would have
liked, but after a dramatic 2-2 tie in game two, the Wolves shut out the
Kitchener Jr Rangers 1 to 0 winning the series, taking 5 out of 6 possible
points to be first to 4 points ending the Rangers season.
With the fireworks from game one over it appeared the Wolves
thought the Rangers would roll over and give up but credit to the Rangers for
showing they had a lot more fight left in them. The Rangers came out and played
amazing hockey and put the Wolves down a pair of goals.
But the Wolves were not ready to give up a game.
With 45 seconds in the 2nd period remaining,
Ethan Wallace scored to breathe life into his team. His goal was set up by
Matthew Ball and Declan Uniac. With 35 seconds left in the 2nd
period, Ben Morton tied the game from Riley Webster to set the stage for a
thrilling third period.
There was no scoring in the 3rd period and when regulation
time concluded the Rangers coach tried to rush his team off the ice to secure
the point. However, the Wolves, knowing the rule was to play a 5-minute
overtime remained on their bench. After a protest, the refs instructed the
Rangers to come back and finish the game but sadly, the Wolves couldn’t end
their season and game three was forced.
Poetic justice?
The former Ranger who has taken whacks and insults all
series flew down the wing on a 2 on 1 with Griffin Beddis. Beddis waiting the
perfect amount of time sent the pass to Wallace who put the dagger into the
Rangers season. It was the perfect goal because you know it stung even more
coming off Wallace’s stick!
The closing game of the series was the best game of the
season for the Wolves in their end. Backed up by a goalie, Drew Cribbin, who
played like a possessed man turning aside shot after shot, the team did a
fantastic job getting in lanes and breaking up plays.
Ball, Morton, Uniac and Cole Ledgister took reps to close
the game up front and Jackson McNichol, Jordan Abbott, Jake Patterson and
Webster buckled down in front of their goalie. Evan Walsh, Ethan Wasylyshyn and
Jack Smith all were rock solid in the D-zone and made sure they limited
opportunities.
You can’t be successful in the D-zone with a strong backcheck,
and Hunter McMurdo, Jack Thompson and Jack Mayne all had an amazing game on
both sides of the puck.
Next up the Wolves will play the powerhouse London Knights
and will need to continue their strong team play to be successful. The Knights are
a strong team and will provide the Wolves with an excellent challenge so the Wolves
are ready to get to work!
Go Wolves!