The Lakehead Thunderwolves lost a close 2-1 contest to the Guelph Gryphons at the Gryphon Centre in Guelph, Ontario on Friday night.
Lakehead had only 15 skaters in the line-up, with Matt Caria and Jordan Smith in Turkey representing Canada at the World University Games; Kris Hogg, Pierre-Marc Guilbault, and Arron Alphonso still out with injuries; and Jadran Beljo missing the game due to illness.
The Gryphons jumped out to an early 1-0 lead when Thunder Bay native Justin Gvora beat Lakehead goaltender Alex Dupuis at the 5:54 mark of the first period. The Wolves didnt generate much offence in the opening stanza, as Guelph outshot Lakehead 9-6 in the period.
Guelph extended its lead to 2-0 when Alex Magera scored at 3:11 of the second period. The Gryphons once again owned the shots on goal advantage in the middle frame, outshooting the Wolves 11-9.
Lakehead played a very strong third period, and narrowed the Gryphons lead to 2-1 when Adam Sergerie beat Guelph netminder Andrew Loverock at the 2:58 mark. Assists on the goal went to Brock McPherson and Ryan McDonald. The Wolves pulled goaltender Dupuis late in the game to add the extra attacker, and came close to tying it up when McDonald hit the post with just seconds remaining on the clock. Lakehead outshot Guelph 15-9 in the period, and 30-29 for the game, but Loverock was solid in net for Gryphons.
The two teams will play again Saturday night at the Gryphon Centre, with the opening face-off set for 7:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on Rock 94.3 FM.