The La Ronge Ice Wolves improved to 1-1 in pre-season action on Wednesday night in The Pas, Manitoba when they defeated the OCN Blizzard 9-3.
It was a big bounce back game for the Ice Wolves, who dropped a 7-2 decision the previous night at home to the Flin Flon Bombers.
“I think we had three or four veteran players play tonight, which I think is a little bit more of a calming presence for some of the younger guys,” said Ice Wolves Head Coach and GM Evan Vossen. “I just thought we moved the puck a lot better. I think just having a chance to play two games back-to-back for a lot of these guys and build a little chemistry, I think went a long way.”
It was a fast and furious start to the game offensively for the Ice Wolves, who led 5-0 after 20 minutes of play. Nolan Dawson found the back of the net twice in the first, while Jordan Mish, Justin Bill and Tyler Johnson added singles. Johnson finished the night with four points.
“I felt pretty good, better than last night — moving the puck well and making plays out there,” said Tyler Johnson. “Tonight, we played well, we scored like three goals in the first five minutes.”
Forward Nolan Doell scored twice on Wednesday, the Martensville product appeared in five games last season with La Ronge.
“I just felt like all the guys were clicking in the offensive zone and finding each other,” said Nolan Doell.
The Ice Wolves are back in action on Friday night in North Battleford when they meet the North Stars in pre-season action. Friday’s contest gets underway at 7:30 p.m.
La Ronge will take on the North Stars on Saturday afternoon before concluding the exhibition schedule Monday at home versus OCN.
(PHOTO: The Ice Wolves celebrate their win in OCN Wednesday. Photo by Braden Malsbury.)