The Lakehead Thunderwolves earned a weekend sweep over the Queens Golden Gaels with a 6-2 encore win Saturday night at the Fort William Gardens in Thunder Bay. The Wolves were led by Tobias Whelan with a goal and two assists. Mark Soares added a goal and an assist. Singles for Lakehead came from Matt Maissoneuve, Dan Speer, Jeff Richards, and Nathan Breukelman.
Richards goal was his 109th and ties him for the Lakehead career goal scoring mark with Joel Scherban. Queens goals came from Alex Archibald and Jaime Brock.
Lakehead now has a 9-2-1 OUA record (11-5-1 overall) and Queens goes to 1-8-3 in conference play and 3-9-5 overall.
The Thunderwolves outshot the Gaels 46-32 on the night and controlled play in the first period outshooting Queens 17-5 in the opening stanza and building a 2-0 lead. Lakehead was up 5-1 after the second and each team added a goal in the third.
Penalties were the story from the second period on. Lakehead drew 13 minors, one five-minute major, a 10-minute misconduct, and a game misconduct. Queens was assessed 19 minors and two 10-minute misconducts.
Lakeheads specialty teams again were in the forefront as they scored three goals on the powerplay while both Queens goals were scored at even strength. The Wolves again had a balanced attack with goals coming from six different players.
Lakehead freshman netminder Matt Iorriani was solid in goal and earned his first OUA win on two starts. Queens goalie Ryan Gibb played well but took the loss.
The Molson's Three Stars, as chosen by Reuben Villagracia of the Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal, were:
1)Tobias Whelan: Lakehead
2)Matt Iorriani: Lakehead
3)Mark Soares:Lakehead
Lakehead is on the road next weekend when they travel to Trois Rivieres, Quebec to challenge UQTR in a two-game series.