The Lakehead Thunderwolves hockey team beat the Calgary Dinos 4-2 on Friday night at the Fort William Gardens in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Lakehead came out a sluggish in the early parts of the first period, with Calgary getting a couple of early chances. The Thunderwolves woke up after Jake Carrick ripped a shot off the post followed by one of Andrew Wilkins patented hip-checks at center ice. Both teams traded chances and hits throughout the rest of the scoreless first period, including a couple nice chances by freshman Mike Hammond and senior Devin Welsh.
The second period brought more hits and tight defensive play from both sides. Lakehead goaltender Alex Dupuis was sharp when he had to be, including a huge save on a 2-on-1 after an ill advised pinch by a Lakehead defenseman.
Lakehead was intent on being more physical in the second period, and it showed when Ryan Magill hit a Dino behind the Calgary goal in what was one of the bigger hits of the year.
The fans got to do their part in the TD Canada Trust teddy bear toss when Mike Hammond found Ryan McDonald in front of the net at 18:30 of the second. McDonald made no mistake, putting Lakehead up 1-0. Hundreds of bears rained down from the stands immediately after the goal. Assists were credited to Hammond and freshman Keith Grondin.
The third period brought some exciting hockey and Alex Dupuis made several big saves to keep Lakehead in front. Mike Hammond scored on a breakaway after a great pass from Mike Quesnele at 12:41 of the third period to increase Lakeheads lead to 2-0.
Just when it looked like Lakehead was in control, Calgarys Walker Wintoneak rifled a 5-on-3 shorthanded goal over the shoulder of Dupuis to cut the Wolves lead to 2-1 at 13:15 of the period.
The Thunderwolves answered right back at 14:20 on a beautiful tic-tac-toe passing play from Hammond and Quesnele, finished off by McDonald.
Trevor Gamache increased Lakeheads lead to 4-1 on an unassisted marker after he outworked a Calgary defenseman to the puck and slid it past Dinos goaltender Jacob Deserres.
Calgary made it interesting with a late goal at 19:26 to cut the Thunderwolves lead, but it was too little too late as the Wolves skated to a 4-2 win.
Both teams are in action again Saturday night at the Fort William Gardens. Puck drop is at 7:30 PM.