Headed into the third period down two goals, the Waterloo
Wolves rallied to even the score with the St. Thomas Jr Stars, only to have a
late goal against end the rally. The Stars added an empty net goal to win 4
to 2 over the Wolves.
It was a frustrating game with the Wolves dominating the
shots and possession but unable to beat the Stars goalie more often. Once again,
the Wolves power play was clicking with a goal from Tate Merritt assisted by
Tyler O’Hearn and then O’Hearn scored from Jacob Reid-Brant and Merritt. Yianni
Peppas did a great job out front causing havoc.
Mitch Simmons made the first save on each goal, but the Wolves
failed to help their goalie out on the rebounds. There wasn’t much Simmons
could do with each goal and he was sharp in net when needed.
Several Wolves had chances and with the goalie pulled. Cole
Hunsberger worked his magic behind the net finding players in the slot, but the
team couldn’t capitalize. With the man advantage in the second period the unit
of Cullen Derry, Connor Palmer, Declan Uniac, Mathew Anderson, and Caleb
Cumming, had several good looks and rang shots off the post or had the Stars goalie
frustrating them.
The team’s special teams were exceptional. Cole Ledgister,
Matthew Ball, Ryan Beckner, Griffin Beddis, Jake Patterson, Jackson McNichol,
Cason Bernhardt, and Palmer were all spectacular on the penalty kill and didn’t
allow the Stars to set up or create scoring opportunities.
As I said above, it was frustrating. It was a game where the
team played well enough to win but their efforts were not rewarded. That said,
if they play the same way and better, the points will come, and the team will be
successful. It will be important to put this one behind them and get ready to
take on the Stratford Warrior where the Wolves will be looking to get some
revenge after dropping game one against them.
Go Wolves!