The No. 3 Lakehead Thunderwolves played their hearts out but came up just short as they fell 3-2 to the No. 1 Alberta Golden Bears in the CIS Telus University Cup Championship Game Sunday night at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alberta.
Goaltender Chris Whitley played another excellent game; turning aside 37 of 40 Alberta shots in a game that saw the Bears outshoot the Wolves 40-26. Lakeheads goals came from Tobias Whelan and Jeff Richards. Richards scored five goals in Lakeheads three national championship games and was named to the All Tournament Team as was Chris Whitley.
Albertas goals came from Dylan Stanley, Harlan Anderson, and Richard Hamula. Lakehead scored first early in the first on Whelans powerplay marker but Alberta struck for three unanswered first period goals. Richards got his tally in the second on a highlight reel individual effort to bring Lakehead within one goal. The Wolves put on the pressure in the final frame but couldnt find the equalizer and were called on two minor penalties in the last four minutes of the game; one which was highly questionable as shown on the tv replay, but the Wolves still managed a final flurry but couldnt beat Alberta goaltender Aaron Sorochan.
Lakehead ends the season 26-18-4 overall; 13-9-2 in OUA regular season play, 9-3 in post season play, and 4-6-2 in non-conference action. Congratulations to the 2005-05 Lakehead Thunderwolves Mens Hockey Team; OUA Queens Cup Champions and CIS Silver Medalists!