Hugo Lehoux's first goal of the OUA regular season proved the game winner as the No. 3 Lakehead Thunderwolves defeated the No. 10 Brock Badgers 4-3 at the Thorold Arena in St. Catherine's, Ontario. Lakehead's scoring came from Erik Lodge, Jeff Richards, Tyler Williamson, and Lehoux. The Badgers markers came from Jamie Young, Chris Knighton, and Bill Zalba. The Wolves outshot the Badgers 36-23 in the match. Lakehead's record now sits at 18-3-1 in OUA play and 25-5-2 overall. Brock's record sits at 13-7-2 in conference play and 15-12-2 overall.
The Thunderwolves dominated play in the first period but Brock goaltender Brian Harrison made a lot of good saves to keep the score at 3-1 going into the first intermission. Brock, although outshot in the second, made good on their chances and had the score at 4-3 going into the second intermission. The third was tight defensively for the most part, and Brock pressured late in the period. Lakehead's Wyatt Tunnicliffe was stopped on a breakaway with just over two minutes left. Brock had a powerplay at the end of the game and pressured hard. The Badgers Steve Hurst was robbed by Lakehead goaltender Grant McCune, who made a game saving toe save to deny Hurst on the wrap-around attempt.
Lakehead Head Coach Pete Belliveau said his team worked hard but needs to put opponents away when the Wolves have the opportunity. "We had a 3-1 lead, and should have scored a few more, but we allowed Brock back into the game and Grant had to make that incredible save to ensure the win. Full marks to their goalie Harrison who played a fine game. So, we'll take the two points and come out stronger tomorrow."
The two teams play again Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. EST at the Thorold Arena.
Game Summary
First Period
16:23 LU Erik Lodge (Wycisk, Wehrstedt)
15:78 LU Jeff Richards (Hillier, Scherban)
3:01 BRO Jamie Young (Pederson)
2:25 LU Tyler Williamson (Tunnicliffe, Jacobsen)
Second Period
7:13 BRO Bill Zalba (Vaillancourt), Montgomery
6:15 LU Hugo Lehoux (Lange, Duce)
2:50 BRO Knighton (Shaw, Young)
Third Period (No Scoring)
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Goaltenders
Brian Harrison (BRO) 36 saves
Grant McCune (LU) 23 saves