Thunderwolves October Recap
October was a thrilling month for the Thunderwolves as they kicked off the season strong performances from both new and returning players. The season opened on home ice at Fort William Gardens with an electrifying crowd of over 2,700 fans, where we proudly introduced eight freshmen and three transfer players to the lineup. Notably, Swedish freshman Malte Hasselgren and local NCAA transfer Justin Paul made an immediate impact; Paul leads the team with 13 points in 11 games (regular season and preseason), while Hasselgren has contributed nine points in the same span. This October, we also proudly named Noah Massie as the 12th captain in Thunderwolves Hockey program history.
The Wolves first test came in a home series split against the University of Toronto, followed by a productive road trip vs RMC and Queens, where Lakehead earned three out of four points. Back on home ice, the Thunderwolves defeated Carleton, highlighted by local sophomore Nikolas Campbell scoring his first two OUA goals. The month ended with a challenging series against TMU, with Lakehead dropping both games to last year's OUA West Champs.
Injuries have tested the Thunderwolves depth early on. Key players like first-line center Keighan Gerrie, Joe Mack, and Ben Badalamenti have been sidelined, with Gerrie out week-to-week. Additionally, Josh Van Unen's status remains uncertain for the upcoming games, along with goaltender Christian Cicigoi. Fortunately, Olivier Pouliot, who missed Saturday's game against TMU, is expected to return to the lineup.
As we head into November, the team will look to bounce back on the road, beginning with a single game in North Bay. The Thunderwolves currently sit 6th in the OUA West with a 3-3-1 record but sit just 4 points back of 2nd place.
Community Connections: Our October games also provided opportunities to deepen community connections and support meaningful causes. We were thrilled to host the Rowan Tree Collective, giving their group a special game-night experience and reinforcing our commitment to community inclusion.
Our Think Pink Night, in partnership with Harper Insulation, brought attention to breast cancer awareness. We were honored to host over 40 survivors and their families, creating an unforgettable experience. Through the sale of exclusive Thunderwolves Think Pink shirts, we raised over $3,115, which will benefit local breast cancer awareness and support initiatives.
Adding a festive twist, we held our inaugural Halloween Hockey Night, welcoming fans of all ages dressed in costumes for a discounted ticket price. This event provided a unique way for young fans and families to celebrate Halloween while enjoying the excitement of U SPORTS hockey.