Skip to content

Wolves suffer their second shutout at the Elgin Street Barn

A single goal settles it for the London Knights
091119_KF_christian_purboo_sized
Sudbury Wolves' Christian Purboo named first star in Friday's matchup against the London Knights, for stopping 24/15 shots on net. (File)

Sudbury Arena welcomed the Wolves back to the ice Friday night, a little less than one week after suffering their first hometown shutout of the season. Unfortunately for the Pack, it would be more of the same this week against the London Knights. 

Last night marked the first of two pairings this season for the teams. 

The game got off to a heated start, with both teams spending several minutes behind glass in the first and second periods, but it would ultimately be the performance of the team's goaltenders that captured the crowd's attention.

The first shot on net went to Sudbury, but it would be London that would eventually break the game's stalemate, delivering their sole and game-winning goal in the final frame.

Wolves' goaltender Christian Purboo was named first star in the matchup, followed by third-star rookie teammate, Landon McCallum. 

In the scoreless first period, London was the first to visit the box, accumulating six minutes for tripping, high sticking and slashing, and one call for misconduct. Sudbury, on the other hand, spent four minutes behind glass for tripping and high sticking. 

Purboo stopped 7 shots in the first period, while Brett Brochu captured 16 for the Knights. 

London was once again the first to visit the penalty box in the second period, but for only two minutes in comparison to the six minutes earned by the Wolves. 

The Knights outshot their hosts 6-13 in the second period, but Purboo would keep the southern Ontario team off the scoreboard, holding the game at zero apiece. 

In the third, just as it seemed a clean scoreboard would carry the two teams to overtime, Jonathan Gruden broke through the Wolves' defence to deliver London's -- and the game's -- only goal of the evening at 10:43. The Ottawa Senators prospect was assisted in the game-winning goal by Josh Nelson and Luke Evangelista. 

The match was called at a 1-0 final for London. 

Sudbury outshot their hosts 7-5 in the final frame and 29-25 overall. 

The Sudbury Wolves remain first in the Central Division, second in the Eastern Conference and fourth in the league overall, with 18 wins and 15 losses.  

The Pack will rest up over Christmas before heading west Dec. 28 to take on the Soo Greyhounds at GFL Memorial Gardens.


Comments

Verified reader

If you would like to apply to become a verified commenter, please fill out this form.