It was only fitting when Cullen Derry scored the opening
goal of the game as the Waterloo Wolves revealed their alternate jerseys in a 5
to 1 win over the Cambridge Hawks. It was Derry after all who designed the
jersey for the team.
The Wolves definitely looked sharp in the new jerseys and
the leadership group of Carson Bernhardt, Jacob Reid-Brant, Connor Palmer and
Ryan Beckner did a lot of work behind the scenes to make them possible. They
also took the opportunity to recognize fellow teammate, and leader, Tate
Merritt, with his jersey sporting a letter.
Derry’s first period goal was set up by Yianni Peppas with a
great look to the point as Peppas streaked in the Hawks zone. Caleb Cumming had
back-to-back goals in the second for the Wolves. His first was set up by
Matthew Anderson and the second from Anderson and Palmer. Anderson then decided
he should undress the Hawks and dance around their goal for a highlight reel
goal from Jake Patterson. Anderson added a second goal in the third period
deflecting a Merritt point shot with Cole Ledgister earning an assist as well.
Ben Pendleton made his best stop in the second period when
he somehow stretched across the crease and got his pad on a back door set up.
Pendleton looked in control all game and offered the Hawks nothing in terms of
rebounds.
The line of Cole Hunsberger, Declan Uniac and Matthew Ball
threw everything but the kitchen sink at the Hawks goalie but found more posts
and odd bounces than anything else. That said, with the opportunities they are creating
and the looks they are getting it is only a matter of time before the puck goes
in for them.
All three lines for the Wolves were rolling. Tyler O’Hearn’s
speed helped his line create chances and Griffin Beddis was a machine on the
forecheck and caused multiple turnovers. The defense played another tight game
and guys like Jackson McNichol threw their body around to keep the Hawks
honest.
The game was not all rainbows and lollipops, however. The Wolves
had moments of confusion in the defensive zone and the team took their foot off
the pedal at moments. Such can be the case when the team has a good lead but
the coaches reminded the team of the importance of playing a complete game. One
thing is for sure with this group and that is whenever they are challenged,
they respond!
Go Wolves!