The Lakehead Thunderwolves downed the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks 3-2 in overtime at the Campus Ice Centre in Oshawa Friday night.
Ontario Tech came out of the gate strong, when Ryan Oliver beat Lakehead goaltender Alex Dupuis just 1:03 into the first period. But the Wolves regrouped and tied the score at 1 apiece when Ryan McDonald found the twine at 13:27, with assists going to Victor Anilane and Matt Caria. Lakehead outshot Ontario Tech 14-9 in the first frame.
There were a lot of offensive chances in the second period, with Lakehead out-shooting the Ridgebacks 17-14, but only one goal was scored. That came at the 11:00 minute mark when Brock McPherson beat Ridgebacks goalie Jeff Dawson on the powerplay to put the Wolves up 2-1. Assists on the goal went to Andy Hyvarinen and Adam Sergerie.
The third stanza was played much closer to the vest, as both teams tightened up defensively. Ontario Techs Tony Rizzi scored at 2:34 to knot the scored at 2-2, and it stayed that way until the end of regulation time. Shots on goal for the period were 7-5 for the Ridgebacks.
The overtime period didnt last long, however, as Lakeheads Matt Caria took a pass from Kris Hogg right after the opening face-off and beat Tech goalie Dawson to give the Thunderwolves the 3-2 win and a crucial 2 points in the standings. Shots on goal for the game were 37-30 in favor of the Wolves.
Game two of the series goes Saturday night at 7:30 p.m.