We were visited by the Wolf Pack of Paris on Sunday. Our full ice record of 2-0-1 was going to be put to the test. Our only other meeting coming in the early season of half ice play where we visited Paris and took note of the exceptional skating abilities of their team.
The flow of the game appeared to be more even then last weeks match up, with both teams applying pressure in each end.
An early power play chance for the Express when Paris is assessed a tripping penalty. The best opportunity was a shorthanded chance for the Wolf Pack. Chris had his speed on display as he hustled back with a good stick check to stop the penalty killer.
Owen had to make 6 saves in the opening frame including a blocker save that he calmly directs into the corner. On another fast break, Caleb gets in on the back check duties and does a good job defending.
We are able to gain entry into the offensive zone but unable to muscle any shots in the first period.
The second period has us on the penalty kill when Kaelan is caught with a hook . Rydan gets the wheels going when he hustles the puck out of our end and rings one of the post on the PK. Levon displays his commitment when he makes a sliding effort to block a shot. Play resumes in our end and off the face off the center man snipes top corner to give Paris the 1-0 lead. After a couple minutes of back and forth action, Kohen and Nolan are away on a 2 on 1. Kohen looks off the pass and keeps for himself and slides it five hole to even the score at 1-1. Later in the same frame, Nolan skates it in and takes a shot at the net from the side boards, Kohen finds the rebound but bangs it off the post. Back in our end Owen makes a save and they send a rebound off our post. Both goalies friends are lending a helping hand.
3rd period is now underway and like the two previous periods it begins with an early power play. This time for the Express.
Aadrian is centering Caleb and Ashley, when they combine for a goal from below the goal line, 2-1 Ingersoll. Paris turns up the pressure when Chris is sent to the sin bin for a hooking penalty. Charlotte does some good work down low and clears the puck the length of the ice. The Wolf Pack skate it back down and deposit a wrap around into our net for the PPG. The clocks winding down, only seconds remaining when Caleb is sprung out of our end. He tries to break free and clear but a determined defensemen from Paris deters the effort and the game ends 2-2.
Next up the battle of Oxford County resumes in Tillsonburg Thursday night.