West Chester Wolves NCDC Fall to P.A.L. Junior Islanders, 5-2

The West Chester Wolves faced off against the P.A.L. Junior Islanders at the Northwell Health Ice Center on October 11, 2024, in a competitive NCDC matchup. Despite a strong effort, the Wolves were defeated by a 5-2 score.

The Wolves opened the scoring early in the first period with a power-play goal at 7:56, as Owen Norman found the back of the net, assisted by Alec Alfieri and Harrison Kinne. However, the Junior Islanders responded late in the period, tying the game at 18:33 with an unassisted goal by Trey Wandall. Just 16 seconds later, Arthur Mirante capitalized on a pass from Michael Calabrese and Michael English to give the Islanders a 2-1 lead heading into the second.

🐺🩸 Norman draws first blood! pic.twitter.com/UPsy8hCwyE

— West Chester Wolves Hockey (@WC_Wolves)

October 11, 2024

In the middle frame, penalties proved costly for the Wolves. After a tripping penalty by Reed Richeson, P.A.L. extended their lead on the power play with a goal by Robert Lachance at 15:52, assisted by Mirante and Carson Nickulas.

The Wolves tried to mount a comeback in the third period, closing the gap to 3-2 with another goal from Norman, once again assisted by Alfieri and Eli Cardosi at 6:12. However, P.A.L. would strike twice more before the final whistle. Mirante tallied his second of the game on the power play at 13:56, and Ryan Franks sealed the win with an empty-netter at 18:47.

West Chester's Griffin Davis made 43 saves in the loss, while Lukas Vejmelka stopped 30 shots for the Junior Islanders. Despite a disciplined effort with only six penalties, the Wolves were unable to overcome the Islanders' offensive pressure.

The Wolves’ special teams had moments of strength, going 1-for-1 on the power play, but their six infractions allowed P.A.L. to convert twice on six power-play opportunities.

West Chester will look to regroup as they prepare for their next matchup, hoping to get back in the win column.