Mar 08, 2026 | Dwight Irwin | 216 views
Wolves lead series 3-1 after weekend split
The Ripley Wolves have a 3-1 series lead after two incredibly close games on the weekend, which they split with the Durham Thundercats.
On Saturday night, the Wolves couldn't overcome an early deficit and two called-back goals on their way to a 4-3 loss.
Wolves goals were scored by Logan Swanton, Jarred Colling, and Cody Britton. Assists went to Garrett Meurs, Ethan Skinner, Tyson Soers, Carter Servais, and Swanton.
Jason Hamilton stopped 43 of 47 shots in the loss.
On Sunday, a packed house in Ripley watched the Wolves battle from behind twice to finally take the lead with a third period powerplay goal on their way to a 4-2 win.
Goals were scored by JD Falconer, Skinner, and Meurs, while Colling added an empty-netter that allowed the huge home crowd to finally exhale.
Assists went to Jordan Moulton (2), Britton (2), Gerrit Satosek, and Dan Nicoloff.
Garrett Golley started in net for the Wolves but went down with a painful-looking lower body injury on the first Durham goal, midway through the first period. After being attended to by team trainers, he was assisted off the ice by his teammates and did not return, pressing Hamilton into service.
The ageless Hamilton was simply incredible in relief, making numerous 10-bell saves right through the final seconds when he stole a sure goal with a miraculous, acrobatic save that immediately led to Colling's empty-netter and a 3-1 series lead.
The Wolves will look to close out the series at home on Friday, March 13, at 8:30 p.m. If necessary, Game 6 will be in Durham on Saturday at 5:30 p.m., while Game 7 would be in Ripley on Sunday, March 15, at 2:30 p.m.