After a tough loss Wednesday in Estevan, the La Ronge Ice Wolves responded with a 3-1 victory on Friday night in Weyburn versus the Red Wings.
“It wasn’t pretty, but we bounced back, obviously after a tough one the other night against Estevan,” said Ice Wolves Associate Coach Gaelan Patterson. “This Weyburn team, they work hard, they are a young team, so they gave us a bit of a battle, for sure.”
The Red Wings opened the scoring 10:32 into the first frame on the power play when Kabir Gill sent a shot on net that was tipped past Xavier Cannon, who made 30 saves for his fourth win of the season. Dante Ballarin got credit for Weyburn’s lone goal. La Ronge tied things at one 14:58 into the first when Daylon Mannon rifled home his 33rd of the season at the side of the net.
The Ice Wolves took a 2-1 advantage 5:41 into the second when Booker Chacalias sent a rocket off the post past Douglas Wakelyn, who made 35 saves in the loss. Chacalias scored from the slot, but the goal initially did not count. After further consultation with the goal judge, it counted for Chacalias’ 13th of the season. La Ronge took a 3-1 lead 14:20 into the second when Spencer Kennedy tapped home his 10th of the campaign at the side of the net.
With the win, the Ice Wolves improved to 28-19-5 on the season, which now has them sitting in fourth in the SJHL standings. La Ronge will conclude its four-game southern swing in Wilcox against the Notre Dame Hounds Saturday night.
“I think we will do well there (in Wilcox),” said Ice Wolves Associate Coach Gaelan Patterson. “We’re a fast team, we’ve got fast forwards in our transition. That’s how we want to play, we wan’t to play with speed.”
Following Saturday’s action, the Ice Wolves will return home for a date with the Estevan Bruins next Wednesday night at the Mel Hegland Uniplex.
(PHOTO: The Ice Wolves celebrate their win Friday in Weyburn. Photo by Braden Malsbury.)