The Lakehead Thunderwolves mens hockey team opened the 2006-07 campaign with a 5-2 loss to the visiting Manitoba Bisons Friday night before 2832 fans at the Fort William Gardens in Thunder Bay.
Lakeheads scoring came from Shandor Alphonso and Mike Wehrstedt while Chris Falloon and Krister Toews led the Bisons. Toews made some solid saves in the match; turning aside 36 of 38 Lakehead shots while Falloon scored the Bisons first three goals. Manitobas other goals came from Jon Cara and Nick Cowan. Aaron Star and Waker had two assists each for the Bisons. Lakehead captain Jeff Richards had a strong game but could not solve the Bisons netminder on the night.
All of the seven goals in the game were specialty goals; five on the powerplay, one shorthanded, and one empty netter. Lakehead outshot Manitoba 38-27 on the night.
The game was a penalty filled affair with both teams still struggling to adjust to the new and tighter CIS hockey rules. Manitoba was given 17 minor penalties while Lakehead was given 14 minors and two game misconducts. The win puts Manitobas record at2-0 while Lakehead now sports a 0-1 mark.
The first period was a slow one but Falloon put the Bisons up at 2:58 with the man advantage, assisted by Aaron Starr. The Wolves had the edge in play and outshot the Bisons 11-8 in the sluggish period.
Play was a little faster in the second and the only goal came from Lakeheads Alphonso at 15:05 on the powerplay; assisted by Dan Rogers and Andrew Brown. Toews was especially strong in the second as Lakehead outshot Manitoba 15-6 in the frame.
The Bisons opened the final frame with a 5-on-3 advantage and Falloon made it count 46 seconds in; assisted by Starr and Waker. Falloon tallied again at 1:25 on the powerplay, assisted by Dowayko and Waker. Lakehead then went on the powerplay and Mike Wehrstedt deflected in a pass from Richards at 12:51 with the other assist going to Mark Robinson. The goal gave the Wolves life and they pressed but Toews stood tall in the Manitoba goal.
Lakehead went on the powerplay again but it was Manitobas Jon Cara who notched the shorthanded goal at 16:20 unassisted; beating Lakehead netminder Chris Whitely with a beautiful high backhander that fooled the Wolves goalie. That goal took the wind out of Lakeheads sails but they still pulled Whitleywith over a minute left; trying to get the equalizer. However, the Bisons Cowan fired in the empty netter to ice the game for Manitoba. Shots in the third were 13-10 Manitoba.
The Molsons Three Stars, as chosen by TBTV/CKPR News and Sports Director Bryan Wyatt, were:
1)Chris Falloon: Manitoba
2)Krister Toews: Manitoba
3)Jeff Richards: Lakehead
The two teams face off again Saturday night at 7:30 pm EST at the Fort William Gardens in the second of their two-game set.