The Sudbury Wolves celebrated victory Friday for the first time since star centre Quinton Byfield left the Pack to represent Team Canada at the World Junior Tournament in the Czech Republic.
The team went head to head at home against Barrie, dropping the Colts 4-2 and earning their fourth victory this season over their southern rivals.
Wolves' forward Macauley Carson was named first star in the game, followed by teammates Shane Bulitka and rookie Adam Samuelsson.
Barrie was the first to gain an advantage in Friday's game, breaking open the scoreboard 12 minutes into play with Tyson Foerster's 20th goal of the season. He was assisted by Luke Bignell and Carolina Hurricane's prospect, Ryan Suzuki.
Barrie maintained their lead heading into the second period, despite being outshot by their hosts 14-8 in the first 20 minutes.
Sudbury evened the scoreboard short-handed in the second period off a penalty shot by Bulitka, in response to a personal foul from behind by Colts' Suzuki.
Wolves' Owen Gilhula returned to the net just over two minutes later at 14:42 to close out the period with one more goal in Sudbury's favour, with help from Murray and Peter Stratis.
Sudbury moved into the final frame up one, with shots on goal 11-5 in their favour.
Wolves' Murray kicked off the third period with a strong shot between the pipes of Barrie netminder Arturs Silovs, 34 seconds into play. The Carolina Hurricanes' prospect was assisted in what would be considered the game-winning goal, by David Levin and Kalle Loponen.
Aidan Brown responded on behalf of the Colts a little more than 12 minutes later with help from Tyler Tucker and Jack York, but it was not enough to push the Pack from their lead.
Carson delivered Sudbury's insurance goal with three seconds remaining, with assistance by Levin, closing out the game at a 4-2 final.
Sudbury tied their visitors 9-9 in shots on goal in the final frame, but outshot them 34-22 in the match overall.
Barrie looks to redeem themselves Jan. 9 when they host the Sudbury Wolves for the fifth of eight season matchups between the teams.
Tonight, the pack welcomes the Windsor Spitfires to the Elgin Street Barn at 7:05 p.m. for their last faceoff of the season.
The Sudbury Wolves sit first in the Central Division, second in the Eastern Conference and fourth overall, with 19 wins and 17 losses.
