The Ripley Wolves have taken a 2-0 series lead over the Durham Thunder Cats, after staging a comeback 3-2 overtime win on Friday night.
It was a penalty filled first period, but neither team was able to capitalize on their chances. Ripley took a 1-0 lead early in the second on a Kyle Gallant powerplay goal. It was assisted by Travis VanGaver.
Durham came storming back though, scoring two goals in a minute span to take a 2-1 lead into the third period. Mark Stanley evened the score midway through the third – from Nathan Gavey and Chad Colling – but neither team could find the winner, sending the game to overtime.
To the relief of everyone on the visiting team’s bench, Nick Locking ended the game on the first shift of the extra period, sending Ripley home with a 3-2 win and 2-0 series lead. Assists on the winning goal went to Jeremy McQuillin and VanGaver.
Kurt Edwards was outstanding in Ripley’s net, stopping 34 shots – including 29 in the first two periods – for the huge win.
The Wolves look to take a commanding 3-0 series lead tonight, at home, at 7 p.m. The Ripley Tykes will be impressing the crowd with a game between the first and second periods, so make sure you come out to support not only the current Wolves, but also the future ones!
Special thanks also go to executive committee member Mike Smith who is keeping our fans who can’t be at the game up-to-date through our Twitter (@RipleyWolves) and Facebook accounts.
