Tyson Soers was the hero as the Ripley Wolves overcame a three-goal deficit to win Game 1 vs Milverton 6-5, in overtime.
The Wolves came out flying in the game that was sponsored by Parrish & Heimbecker, peppering Milverton’s goalie early in the game but unable to open the scoring. The Drives were first on the board with a powerplay goal, which Wolves netminder Jason Hamilton had no chance to stop. The Wolves continued to own the play – eventually outshooting Milverton 14-6 in the first – but it was the Drives who capitalized, potting two more before the period was out for a 3-0 lead after one.
Kurt Edwards started the second for the Wolves, and that seemed to be the spark his teammates needed as they absolutely dominated the second frame, outshooting Milverton 21-8, outscoring them 3-1 in the period.
Brent Walton led the way with two goals early in the second, both assisted by Cody Britton and Brett Catto, the second of which was on the powerplay. Dan Nicoloff had the other Wolves goal, also on the powerplay, assisted by Nick Seiler and Dylan Sayle.
Milverton scored midway through the second and lead 4-3 after two.
Tyler McCarthy scored early in the third on a rebound, and from a tough angle, to tie the game, and also drive Milverton’s goalie Alex Elliott from the net when it appeared he tweaked his knee. He was replaced by Aiden Doak, who Walton soon brutalized with an absolute laser of a one-timer that drove the goalie’s water bottle straight into the air. Assists on the powerplay goal, which completed Walton’s hat-trick, went to Tyler Soehner and Catto.
But Milverton didn’t quit, stemming wave after wave of Wolves attacks, and then turning it up ice when the rare chance presented itself. They tied the game with just five minutes left, sending it to overtime.
In the extra frame, it was all Wolves, who outshot Milverton 9-4, before Soers buried a wrister from the slot to give Game 1 to the home team.
A huge crowd saw a fantastic display of skill and speed. If Game 1 is an indication of the rest of the series, it is going to be very entertaining.
Game 2 is today, Sunday, Feb. 4, in Milverton at 3 p.m. Game 3 is in Ripley on Friday, Feb. 9, at 8:45 p.m. Game 3 is sponsored by Canadian Tire Kincardine.
