Wolves Battle to OT in Premier Debut, Fall to P.A.L. Junior Islanders 5-4
- James Karr
- Sep 20, 2024
- 2 min read
The Rinx - September 20, 2024
In a thrilling season opener, the West Chester Wolves Premier team made an exciting debut, taking the P.A.L. Junior Islanders to overtime before falling 5-4. Despite the loss, history was made as Tyrone Oxlade netted the first-ever regular season goal in franchise history.
The Junior Islanders struck first, capitalizing on a power play when Clifford found the back of the net just 3:43 into the game. The Wolves had to kill off several penalties, including a major boarding call early, keeping them scoreless in the opening period.
West Chester responded strongly in the second period, with Oxlade putting his name in the record books at 9:48, assisted by Webster and Hobbs. The Wolves gained momentum, scoring again just over a minute later on a power play, with Emmanuel finishing off a feed from Webster and Urie. Though the Junior Islanders quickly tied it up, Webster’s goal late in the second gave the Wolves a 3-2 lead heading into the third.
P.A.L. clawed back with two power play goals of their own, but West Chester's McKay answered at 13:53, knotting the game 4-4. Both teams traded chances as the clock wound down, but neither could pull ahead in regulation.
Overtime was just as intense, but P.A.L.’s Shirozu broke through at 4:42, sealing the Wolves’ 5-4 loss in their first Premier game.
The Wolves were solid on the attack, outshooting the Junior Islanders 45-49, with goaltender Feeley making an impressive 44 saves. West Chester's power play clicked once in three opportunities, but penalties proved costly, as P.A.L. converted three of six chances.
The Wolves aim to rebound in their next matchup tomorrow, staying on the road to face the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Knights at Revolution Ice Centre. Puck drop is set for 3:30 PM EDT.
