After two games the Sudbury Wolves looked like they finally found their footing and put up some big numbers against the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds on Friday.
The only problem was the Greyhounds were up to task and almost came back to beat the Wolves, but Sudbury held on for a 6-5 win.
“It was good to get one and we almost let it slip away tonight,” said Wolves head coach Cory Stillman. "We got running around a little bit and obviously with the skill that they have they’re going to come. I’d say up to two periods we were really good and the third period we struggled a little bit."
Goalies were busy -- the teams combined for 83 shots.
Marshall Frappier played his first full game in exhibition and stopped 36 of 41 shots.
The youth of Sudbury was a conversation piece in Wednesdays game against North Bay, but tonight they sparked a full on discussion.
Anthony Tabak, the Wolves third-round pick this year, had a goal and an assist, as did Dawson Baker, the team's fourth-round pick from last year.
Sudbury’s first-round pick in 2017, Blake Murray, also found the scoresheet with an assist.
“They’re making it tougher and as a coach that’s what you want,” said Stillman. “We want to improve everyday, some kids stepped up big time tonight again and chances are they’ll be in the lineup again on Sunday.”
Then there was Kyle Rhodes, who probably wishes this was a regular season game because he finished with four points, including two goals.
Ryan Valentini was making his exhibition debut and there was no rust on the skates as he came out flying and generating chances.
Michael Pezzetta looked energized in his first game back from the Montreal Canadiens, and Brandon Bastasin scored as a forward, he scored on Wednesday as a defenceman.
Here is who scored for the Wolves:
Anthony Tabak(1) from Ryan Valentini
Kyle Rhodes(1) from Shane Bulitka and Michael Pezzetta(shorthanded)
Dawson Baker(2) from Owen Lane and Kyle Rhodes
Michael Pezzetta(1) from Anthony Tabak and Ryan Valentini
Kyle Rhodes(2) from Dawson Baker and Blake Murray
Brandon Bastasin(2) from Conor Ali and Kyle Rhodes
The Wolves plopped themselves down on a 6-2 cushion, before the Hounds fought back with three unanswered goals.
While that is a negative, a big positive for the Wolves has been special teams.
Sudbury was sixth overall in the OHL last season on the penalty kill and through three games in the preseason, teams are just 2 for 17.
“We are happy with that, guys are shifting around, guys are getting an opportunity and guys are taking advantage of it,” said Stillman. "Guys are doing a great job killing penalties, blocking shots, getting sticks involved.”
The Wolves get a day off before their final tune-up game in Sault Ste. Marie on Sunday.
Then the Wolves management have some decisions to make before the real deal Sept. 22.
