Wolves lose Game 3 in playoff series against Minto

The Ripley Wolves spent way too much time in the penalty box, Saturday night, as they lost Game 3 in their playoff series against the Minto 81s, 6-4.

The stands were packed again as the Wolves came into the game with a 2-0 lead in this WOAA senior men's semi-final best-of-seven series.

Following a scoreless first period, Minto opened the scoring midway in the second. Less than a minute later, Tyson Soers tied it up for Ripley, assisted by Dylan Sayle and Keaton Willis.

Minto then fired in two more goals, ending the period with a 3-1 lead.

Garrett Meurs brought Ripley within one, early in the third, assisted by Gerrit Satosek, before Minto again took over, slamming in two more goals, to make it a 5-2 game.

Cody Britton scored, unassisted, to give the Wolves some hope. And in the midst of a penalty-ridden final frame, the Wolves managed another goal, by Ben Hughes, unassisted, but Minto scored with just 19 seconds remaining, to seal the win by a score of 6-4.

Ripley goalies Jason Hamilton and Gatlin Burt shared the loss. Hamilton was in net until midway in the third when Burt took over.

The Wolves travel to Palmerston tomorrow night (March 10) for Game 4, and are back at the Ripley Arena for Game 5, Friday, March 13, at 8:30 p.m. Game 6 is Sunday, March 15, at 7 p.m., in Palmerston; and Game 7, if necessary, is back in Ripley, Tuesday, March 17, at 8:30 p.m.