It
was a familiar position for the Waterloo Wolves in these playoffs.
Down
three goals to the Hamilton Huskies in the first game of a series, just like
they were in game one of round two, and leaving people wondering when they
would show up to play. But this time, the Wolves decided to play before the
next game and put up a thrilling 5 unanswered goals to win 5 to 3.
It
started with Matthew Anderson sending a rocket top shelf after some relentless
board work from Declan Uniac and Matthew Ball with Ball picking up the assist
on the goal. Anderson breathed some life into his team and heading into the
third the Huskies put the game on a plate for the Wolves.
The Wolves
started the third period with a 5 on 3 powerplay and 19 seconds in Carson
Bernhardt scored from Anderson and Yianni Peppas. Roughly three minutes later
Anderson got his second goal of the game from Bernhardt and Peppas. Then at
about the half way point of the period, Jacob Reid-Brant, stormed down the wing
after a crafty play from Jake Patterson and Cole Ledgister, to score the game
winner. Reid-Brant would add the empty net goal to put the game away with
Ledgister picking up his second assist in the game.
A
fired up Ben Pendleton rallied his team with some clutch saves after being hung
out to dry at the start of the game. Pendleton never stopped battling and was
fantastic with communicating with his teammates showing true leadership.
It is
safe to say there is never a dull moment with this team. Also, safe to say
there is no quit with this team. There are too many leaders who lead in
different ways. You have Tate Merritt being vocal and rally his teammates.
Cullen Derry willing to play different positions and roles to help them succeed.
Griffin Beddis and Ryan Beckner blocking shots and laying the body. Caleb
Cumming winning board battles. Tyler O’Hearn forechecking and playing the teams
system perfectly. Jackson McNichol laying a huge open ice hit to rally the boys
or Connor Palmer making sure he is dependable and playing shutdown hockey.
The
list truly goes on and on.
It is
always nice to get the first win but the Wolves know the series is anything but
over and the Huskies with only play harder in game two. With both teams so
close to an Alliance Championship each game will be more and more intense.
Hockey is not for the faint of heart and the Wolves are ready to face whatever
comes their way.
Go Wolves!