The first weekend in December saw the
Waterloo Novice Ice Wolves play 3 tough home games against 3 tough opponents,
coming away with 2 big wins and a strong showing in a loss against the top
team.
(by Greg Brown)
Friday night saw the battle of Waterloo, with the Ice Wolves playing the Timber Wolves. This turned out to be a spirited game between the 2 Waterloo teams, with some fantastic goal tending from both teams.
The Ice Wolves went up 2-0 on 2 goals from Kyle Maloney. The score easily could have been a lot higher, but stellar goal tending by the Timber Wolves goalie kept the Ice Wolves from scoring on many chances. The Timber Wolves fought back and tied the score at 2-2 going into the third period, and again, goal tending by Mischa Stastna kept the game tied.
Maloney and Mike Rintche played a strong offensive game, keeping pressure on the other Wolves team, and each scored another goal in the third period to put the game away. Kyle Maloney lead the scoring with 3 goals and an assist, while Mike Rintche also scored a goal and an assist. Easton Schnarr also contributed with an assist.
Strong goal tending by Mischa Stastna and great defense provided by Hunter Baird, Kaden Washkurak and Connor Rowell helped the Ice Wolves seal this great victory.
The Ice Wolves took on the first place Kitchener Red team on the Saturday, and showed that they have improve drastically over the past month, by staying with the Kitchener team and keeping the lead within reach. The Kitchener team ended up with a 6-3 win in the end, but the Ice Wolves should be proud of the way they played, and opened the eyes of many at how strong they are getting each game.
Although it was a loss, goal tender Nathaniel Miloje was great in goal, keeping the game within reach and making many stops at key times in the game.
Scoring for the Ice Wolves was lead by Kyle Maloney with 2 goals, Cooper Way adding another, and assists by Easton Schnarr and Ryan Hanson. Showing even greater improvement was the defense once again, holding strong against a fast and strong team. Strong play by Evan Howe, Aidan Coffin and Jake Anderson kept the Kitchener team turned away throughout most of the game. The Ice Wolves are looking forward to another meeting against the first place Kitchener Red team.
Sunday filled out the weekend with the Ice Wolves home to the Hamilton Cyclones, another team at the top of the standings. After having a couple of great scoring chances, the Ice Wolves got on the board by scoring one of the prettiest goals seen this year. Kyle Maloney broke free on one of his patented break-aways, and with 4 of the 5 Cyclones chasing him, Kyle looked over to see a flying Jonnie Dinner heading for the net. Maloney calmly passed the puck right to Dinner’s stick and Dinner one timed the puck past the Hamilton goalie.
Maloney put the Ice Wolves up 2-0 heading into the third. Then the Cyclones brought the pressure, fast and hard, and goal tender Mischa Stastna had to play his best game to date. He made stops low, glove saves up top and even stopped a wrist shot using his blocker.
With 8 seconds left the Hamilton team took the face off to the left of the Ice Wolves net, with a sixth man on the ice. Unfortunately they managed to slip the puck by a blocked Stastna, ending his bid for a well-earned shut-out. Cooper Way put the game away with 3 seconds left by breaking away down the rink and scoring an empty net goal, ending the game with a 3-1 win for the Ice Wolves. Singles goals were each scored by Jonathan Dinner, Kyle Maloney and Cooper Way. Maloney also assisted on Dinner’s goal.
A strong game was played by all of the Ice Wolves’ forwards, providing constant pressure on the Hamilton defense and goalie. Michael Rintche, Easton Schnarr, Christopher Brown, Callahan Reesor and Ryan Hanson all played a strong game, working the puck on the boards, providing great passing and creating scoring chances.
Congratulations to the Ice Wolves on a successful weekend, and keep up the great work and improvements!
A special note should be made regarding the coaching staff of Shawn Way, Mark Reesor and Steve Maloney. The coaches continue to work with the team to show them what they are capable of, and do so in a very positive way, which shows on the ice and off. Even in a loss, the Ice Wolves stay positive and celebrate a tough game as team mates, showing they are always having fun and looking forward to the next time on the ice.
Thanks coaches, and Go Ice Wolves Go!