West Chester Wolves Power Through Late Surge to Defeat Wilkes-Barre Scranton Knights, 3-1

September 27, 2024 - Revolution Ice Centre Rink 2

In a dramatic late-game surge, the West Chester Wolves secured a thrilling 3-1 victory over the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Knights on Friday night at the Revolution Ice Centre. The matchup remained scoreless through the first two periods, with both teams’ goaltenders, Sebastian Pribula (Wolves) and Emmanuel Pepin (Knights), putting on a show of resilience.

The first period saw some early roughness, with both teams playing aggressively but unable to capitalize on scoring chances. West Chester’s Drew McCandless (8) took a two-minute penalty for cross-checking at 2:33 of the first, but the Wolves’ penalty kill unit held strong. Pribula was rock-solid between the pipes, turning away six shots in the opening frame.

In the second period, the tension increased. A flurry of penalties broke out, including a major infraction by Knights' defenseman Mackenzie Fullerton (26) for a facemask violation, leading to his game misconduct at 10:35. Despite being on the power play, West Chester couldn't find the back of the net, and the score remained tied at zero heading into the third.

Wilkes-Barre Scranton broke the deadlock early in the third, as Eric McHale (12) found twine off a setup from Keanan Pearman (24) at 2:07. The goal shifted the momentum to the home side, but the Wolves responded with a barrage of offense in the latter half of the period.

West Chester’s Owen Norman (10) netted the equalizer at 15:16, with assists from Seiya Ishida (16) and Charles Becnel (14), sparking life into the Wolves' bench. Just over three minutes later, Connor Stokes (19) sniped home the go-ahead goal at 18:55, assisted by Alec Alfieri (9) and Harrison Kinne (5), completing a slick passing sequence to beat Pepin.

With under a minute to play and the Knights pulling their goaltender for an extra attacker, the Wolves' Reed Richeson (96) iced the game with an empty-net goal at 19:54, assisted by Cole Kerr (71). The Wolves' late-game heroics secured a well-earned road victory, improving their season standing in the NCDC.

Sebastian Pribula was stellar in net, stopping 21 of 22 shots for the Wolves. Pepin, despite making 18 saves, was unable to prevent the Wolves' third-period surge.

The Wolves capitalized on their opportunities late, proving their resilience in the final stretch of the game. Wilkes-Barre Scranton, despite a strong defensive showing early, couldn't fend off the determined visitors.

Final Score: West Chester Wolves 3, Wilkes-Barre Scranton Knights 1

Game Notes:

• West Chester went 0-for-1 on the power play, while Wilkes-Barre Scranton went 0-for-2.

• The Wolves racked up 8 penalty minutes across 4 infractions; the Knights had 17 minutes from 3 penalties.

• Attendance: 200

Stars of the Game:

1. Sebastian Pribula (WCW) – 21 saves, Win

2. Owen Norman (WCW) – Game-tying goal

3. Connor Stokes (WCW) – Game-winning goal