Lakehead downs the Varsity Blues 4-2 in a physical penalty filled game.
The opening period was calm to start the game with Josh Van Unen converting the lone goal on the powerplay off of an Olivier Pouliot pass past Toronto netminder Rayce Ramsay to break the ice late in the period.
The second period would seem like a royal rumble with skirmishes after nearly every whistle and a steady parade to the sin bin as both teams both teams had tempers flaring. A couple of goals where scored as well. Toronto would tie the game up after Owen Guy would beat Lakehead's Christian Cicigoi with a one timer on the left side of the net7:48 into the frame.
The Wolves would answer back when Tyler Ho would bury an Olivier Pouliot feed past Rayce Ramsay short side to put the Wolves up 2-1
Both teams would combine for a total 54 minutes in penalties in the second frame.
The 3rd would see more skirmishes accompanied by penalties. Lakehead add to their lead quickly into period on the powerplay as Ben Badalamenti would make no mistake picking up the puck off the back boards and slipping it past Ramsay and send the 2142 fans into a frenzy.
Toronto would reply with a powerplay goal of there own at the 13:44 mark of the period when Cole Purboo would one time a Owen Robinson pass past Christian Cicigoi to cut the lead to 3-2.
With :14 remaining in the game Toronto would be awarded a penaltty shot after Noah Massie would close his hand on the puck in the corner with Toronto pressuring. The Hockey Canada rulebook states that in the last 2 minutes of a game a player who closes his hand on the puck would result in the opposing team being rewarded a penalty shot.
Owen Robinson would take the penalty shot and shot it wide left on the attempt to the pleasure of the Thunderwolve fans.
Josh Van Unen would book end the night scoring his second goal of the night into the empty net with :01 remaining to send everbody home happy.
The Molson 5 Forks 3 Stars of the Game:
- Josh Van Unen - Lakehead
- Ben Badalamenti - Lakehead
- Christian Cicigoi - Lakehead
Lakehead goes on the road for a 3 game trip as they face Guelph Gryphons, Waterloo Warriors and Wilfred Laurier Golden Hawks starting Thursday Jan 12.