The North Van Wolf Pack welcomed a change of scenery to the new Harry Jerome Recreation Centre in winning fashion, defeating the Aldergrove Ironmen 5-3. This was the first game for the Wolf Pack at the brand-new ice rink since the community centre opened in late July. With the win, they have now won their first three games of the exhibition season, outscoring their opponents 17-7.
Max Kinnee got things going early in the first, potting home his first of the game, assisted by Ryan Tse and Cameron Hacker. Ryan McGowan doubled the lead a few minutes later to wrap up the first. Goalie Christian Hahn stood tall between the pipes in his one period of action, shutting out Aldergrove.
In the second period, Joshua Moussodji came out flying, scoring back-to-back breakaway goals to give the Wolf Pack a 4-0 lead. Kinnee then potted his second of the game, and his fourth point of the night, to put them out in front by five. Aldergrove scored late to break the shutout, along with another two goals unanswered in the third to make it 5-3. However, the Wolf Pack held on and the strong start to the game proved vital as they defeated the Ironmen for the second straight game in as many days.
Assistant Coach David Beaupré was happy with the team’s performance considering how many guys were out of the lineup. “Lots of positives from tonight. I think the guys executed well in some respects, but when it’s early in the season, there are some inconsistent lines and there are still some mistakes. So we’ve got some things to clean up for next Friday,” said Beaupré.
With many veterans resting in the exhibition game, players stepping up and special teams were pivotal to the success of the group. The Wolf Pack scored two power-play goals on four opportunities and went perfect on the penalty kill, stopping all four chances against. Up front, Kinnee potted four points (two goals and two assists), Moussodji scored two goals, and Hacker had two assists.
“So happy to have Kinnee back; he spent a bit of time with us last year, we knew he had some offensive upside and we really got to see it tonight,” said Beaupré.
The Wolf Pack are back in action for their final exhibition game at home against the Port Moody Panthers next Friday at 6 p.m.
Author: Braeden Coombes
