The Sudbury Wolves faced off against the Hamilton Bulldogs at the FirstOntario Centre on Saturday, the first of two November matchups between the clubs.
Applying consistent pressure throughout, the Wolves battled through to claim their fourth straight victory with a 7-3 final.
Seasoned Wolves centre Owen Gilhula earned first star in the game, followed by teammate Quinton Byfield. Byfield is currently second in the league in points, tied for the most assists at 24, fourth in insurance goals with three, and fifth in goals at 14.
The first period got off to a shot-heavy start, with Gilhula being the first to beat their opposing netminder at 4:38. Byfield and Isaak Phillips added assists.
The Bulldogs, who spent four minutes behind glass for roughing and holding, responded when Logan Morrison scored his seventh goal of the season at 12:52, with assists from Avery Hayes and Tag Bertuzzi.
Sudbury's Blake Murray returned the favour less than a minute later with assistance from Nolan Hutcheson. He was followed to the net at 17:10 by Byfield, who scored his 14th goal of the season with help from Gilhula.
Los Angeles Kings prospect Arthus Kaliyev raced down the ice no more than 20 seconds later to score his 20th goal of the season for the Bulldogs, with help from Arizona Coyotes prospect Jan Jenik.
David Levin scored what would be considered the game-winning goal with assists from Ethan Larmand and Murray, giving him four game-winning goals this season.
Hamilton earned their next point from London rookie George Diaco, who scored the first goal of his OHL career at 9:15 with assists from Bradey Johnson and Cameron Supryka. The Wolves' Owen Robinson replied with an insurance goal just over two minutes later with assists from Gilhula and Liam Ross.
The Wolves would add two more goals in the 3rd, capping the game at a 7-3 final.
Shots on goal in the period were 9-6 in favour of the Wolves and 38-32 in total, once again, in Sudbury's favour.
The Bulldogs will have an opportunity to settle the score Nov. 17 at Sudbury Arena.
The Sudbury Wolves remain first in the Central Division, second in the Eastern Conference and second in the league overall, with 13 wins and 7 losses.
The pack returns home Wednesday to face the Soo Greyhounds at 7:05 p.m.
