Jan 28, 2024 | Dwight Irwin | 711 views
Wolves clinch first overall with 5-4 win over Minto
It took a late third-period goal from Cody Britton for the Ripley Wolves to defeat Minto 5-4 and clinch first overall in the Ontario Elite Hockey League (OEHL) regular season.
It was a highly entertaining, physical game that saw numerous lead changes, but once Britton found the back of the net late in the third it was almost a certainty that Ripley would get the point they needed to claim top spot and home ice advantage throughout the playoffs.
Other Wolves goals were scored by Kaden Hoggarth (2), Evan Visser, and Logan Swanton. Assists went to Todd Hellyer (2), Garrett Meurs, Alex Kuntz, Jarred Colling, Derek Skinner, Nick Seiler, and Visser (2).
Jason Hamilton stopped 22 of 26 shots and came up with some huge saves as a Minto team desperate for points to move up the logjam that is second to seventh place, pushed hard in the third.
On a side note, the Ripley Legion 50/50 draw from last night's game went unclaimed. Check your tickets for #684130 and text Dwight Irwin at 519-525-7106 if it's yours. Proof will be needed, of course.
The Wolves wrap up the regular season on Friday, Feb. 2, with a make-up game at 8:30 p.m. against the Georgian Bay Applekings, who, along with the Erin Outlaws, are battling for the eighth and final spot in the 'A' side of the league's playoff bracket, and a date with Ripley in the first round. Game sponsors are (S)he Shed Beauty Boutique and Sobeys.
The OEHL playoffs will begin the weekend of Feb. 9.