The Lakehead Thunderwolves were nipped 3-2 in overtime by the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks in front of 2257 fans at the Fort William Gardens on Friday night.
The Wolves displayed a lot of gumption from the get-go, showing that they were not intimidated by Ontario Tech despite the Ridgebacks lofty #4 ranking in the latest national poll.
Lakehead drew first blood when Brennen Dubchak banged home the puck from the edge of the crease to finish off a mad scramble in which UOITs starting goalie Tyson Teichmann was shaken up and had to leave the game. Carson Dubchak and Pat Murphy were credited with assists 17:04 into the opening period.
Thunderwolves netminder Devin Green was tested often in the second period and held the Ridgebacks at bay until Connor Jarvis knocked home a rebound at 16:14 after Green had made several big saves just prior.
UOITs Jack Patterson put the Ridgebacks up 2-1 on a short-handed goal midway through the third when he broke in alone on Green and rifled a shot past him on the stick side.
Lakehead tied the game with 2:23 left in regulation when Dylan Butler fed Kelin Ainsworth, who broke in alone on UOIT goalie Brendan ONeill. Ainsworth outwaited him and beat him with a beautiful forehand deke after ONeill bit on his first move.
A high-sticking penalty by Justin Sefton gave Ontario Tech a late power play, but the Ridgebacks were stymied by more solid play by Green and some timely shot blocking by Tyler Anton and Dillon Donnelly, and the game was headed for O.T.
Both teams had good chances in the extra frame, and Cody Alcock nearly ended it when he fired a rocket off the crossbar. But Mike Robinson re-directed a shot over Greens shoulder with two seconds to go in the first overtime period to give the Ridgebacks the win.
Shots on goal for the night were 40-30 in favor of the Ridgebacks.
Lakehead was 0-for-5 on the power play, while UOIT went 0-for-8.
The Molson Three Stars of the game were:
1.Devin Green, Lakehead
2.Mike Robinson, Ontario Tech
3.Kelin Ainsworth, Lakehead
The Thunderwolves and Ridgebacks will square off again on Saturday night beginning at 7:00 P.M.