Over the holidays the Wolves travelled to Brantford to
participate in the 45th annual Wayne Gretzky International
Tournament.
The team’s first game came against a familiar opponent, Kitchener Red. Waterloo started the game off playing well, scoring a goal less than three minutes in to take the lead. Following the goal, the Wolves continued their strong play and were able to score once again just three minutes later to take a 2-0 lead.
After a quick start Waterloo would continue to control much of the play. Kitchener was able to generate a little offense into the third period, however neither team was able to find back of the net until the Wolves were able to score an empty netter to make the final 3-0.
Following a win to start the tournament, the Wolves were set to face Oswego, who had also won their first game of the tournament. To begin the period the Wolves were on their heels and found themselves in penalty trouble. However, they were able to kill off the penalties which included a five on three. Although, just when it looked like the team was going to be able to escape the period tied, Oswego tucked the puck past the Wolves goalie with just 0.2 seconds remaining.
Both teams continued to battle throughout the second period. The Wolves played a better period, but were unable to tie the game. The same can be said for the third period. The team was able to get very little going in the offensive zone and were unable to capitalize on the chances they did generate. Oswego would add an insurance goal half way through the third, making the final 2-0.
After going 1-1 on Saturday, the Wolves knew heading into Sunday that a win against hosts Brantford would guarantee them a spot in the quarter finals. To begin the first, the team came out with a purpose and controlled much of the play. They were able to score on one of their chances with three minutes remaining to take a 1-0 lead.
However, to begin the second period Brantford refused to back down. They took control of the play and scored just two minutes into the period to tie the game. Waterloo was able to answer back quickly, scoring a goal of their own to regain the lead. Although, once again Brantford continued to pressure. They were able to score two more quick goals before the end of the period to take a 3-2 lead.
Heading into the third the Wolves looked hungry to tie the game. They were able to generate many quality scoring chances but were unable to find the back of the net. Finally, with just over two minutes remaining, the Wolves were rewarded for driving the net as they put one past the Saints goalie to tie the game. Not willing to settle for a tie, the team continued to press. With less than a minute to play the Wolves completed the comeback scoring to take the game 4-3.
Following the thrilling comeback win, the Wolves looked to climb the tournament standings with a win against Perinton. Both teams played a relatively even first period, exchanging scoring chances. Just past the midway point Waterloo was able to take the lead. However, for the rest of the game they were able to generate very little.
Throughout the second period Perinton controlled much of the play and were able to score two goals of their own to take a 2-1 lead.
To begin the third Waterloo was able to generate some chance in an effort to tie the game. However, time continued to pass and with just over a minute remaining the Wolves were forced to pull their goalie. They were unable to score however, and Perinton would add an empty netter to take the game 3-1.
After finishing the round robin with a 2-2 record the Wolves were set to face Kitchener Blue in the quarter finals.
Once again Waterloo began the game playing well as they were able to control much of the play. Facing a tough Kitchener goalie, they were unable to take control of the game. After the Wolves were unable to take an early lead, Kitchener was able to put one past the Wolves goalie giving the Rangers a 1-0 lead. However the Wolves continued to battle and push to tie the game.
The team was rewarded for their persistent forecheck, finally beating the Kitchener goalie not just once but twice to take a 2-1 lead. However, with the momentum on the Wolves side and the second period winding down, an unfortunate bounce gave Kitchener a breakaway and they were able to tie the game.
For much of the third period Waterloo continued to generate scoring opportunities, but were unable to capitalize. Finally, with the period winding down Kitchener was given a powerplay opportunity. With just over a minute remaining they were able to capitalize on the opportunity giving Kitchener a 3-2 lead. The Wolves would pull their goalie but were unable to tie the game making the final 3-2.
Following what was a busy holiday weekend, the Wolves look forward to returning to league play this weekend as they travel to play Hamilton Red this Saturday and host St. Catharines on Sunday.