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Queen's Cup Preview: Lakehead Thunderwolves

Fri Mar 12, 2004
Written by Mike Aylward
Photo by James Mirabelli

The No. 3 Lakehead Thunderwolves enter their second consecutive Queen's Cup with a 18-4-2 OUA regular season record and a 29-7-3 overall record. The Thunderwolves qualified for the Queen's Cup by defeating Western two games to one in the OUA Far West Finals, capped by the epic 5-4 quadruple overtime win in London in Game Three. Lakehead was second in the OUA in goals for with 124 and second in goals against with 59. Lakehead will be playing OUA Mid West Champions No. 6 York in Saturday's West Conference Championship game at 4:05 p.m. EST. This is the second year that the Thunderwolves will take on the Lions in the West Finals, with York winning last year's game.

Head Coach Pete Belliveau said his team is thrilled to be returning to this year's Queen's Cup in London and is expecting a tough battle from York. "We are now advancing to the Queen's Cup vs. York Yeomen, but we do remember last year's game at this same tournament (a York win), so we do not take them lightly. I think this will be another close game from start to finish as Coach Wise of York and his staff has his troops peaking at the perfect time of the season."

Lakehead vs. Queen's Cup Opposition 2003-2004 (Record: 8-3-1)
Sat Mar 6 Lakehead 5 Western 4 PL OT4
Fri Mar 5 Western 4 Lakehead 2 PL
Wed Mar 3 Lakehead 3 Western 1 PL
Sat Jan 31 Lakehead 5 Western 3
Fri Jan 30 Western 3 Lakehead 2
Mon Dec 29 Lakehead 7 York 2 NC
Sun Nov 30 Lakehead 6 Toronto 3
Sat Nov 29 Lakehead 3 Toronto 3 TIE OT
Sat Nov 15 Lakehead 8 York 3
Fri Nov 14 Lakehead 9 York 2
Sat Nov 1 Western 4 Lakehead 3
Fri Oct 31 Lakehead 3 Western 2

Players To Watch:
Lakehead is led by OUA West MVP and First Team All-Star speedster Jeff Richards who scored 18 goals and 21 assists in the regular season. Fellow First Team All-Star and Captain Joel Scherban recorded 14 goals and 23 assists for 37 points; while Bryan Duce notched13 goals and 12 assists. Murray Magill and Jason Lange have been hot recently for the Wolves as has Chris Shaffer, who is back in form offensively. Rookie Mike Wehrstedt has also proven he can score this season.

A big difference in Lakehead this season is the improved play of their defense, and this season saw the Wolves drop their goals against significantly. Lakehead was third in the CIS in goals allowed with 59 in the regular season and they allowed 10 in five playoff games. Lakehead's defense is led by OUA First Team All-Star Mike Jacobsen; a mobile puckhandler who can also play tough D. Newcomers and OUA All-Rookie Team members Kris Callaway and Steve Rawski have given the Wolves added strength at the blue line while veterans Erik Lodge, Matt Kenny, and Hugo Lehoux have played consistently well. Veteran Shawn Perring and newcomer Mike Self also add size and strength in the Wolves backline.

Lakehead's final line of defense is OUA West Second Team All-Star Grant McCune who had an 11-4-1 OUA record and a 2.74 GAA in the regular season and is sporting a 2.00 GAA in the playoffs. McCune is a clutch goaltender who enjoys playing in the tough games.

Historical Highlights:
CIS Championship Appearances: 2
Queen's Cup Appearances: 2

Lakehead 2003-2004 Results:
Sat Mar 6 Lakehead 5 Western 4 PL OT4
Fri Mar 5 Western 4 Lakehead 2 PL
Wed Mar 3 Lakehead 3 Western 1 PL
Fri Feb 27 Lakehead 12 Waterloo 1 PL
Wed Feb 25 Lakehead 5 Waterloo 1 PL
Sun Feb 15 Laurier 2 Lakehead 1
Sat Feb 14 Lakehead 2 Brock 2 TIE OT
Fri Feb 13 Lakehead 4 Brock 3
Sun Feb 8 Lakehead 3 Guelph 2 OL
Fri Feb 6 Lakehead 12 Guelph 3
Sat Jan 31 Lakehead 5 Western 3
Fri Jan 30 Western 3 Lakehead 2
Sun Jan 25 Lakehead 6 Laurier 3
Sat Jan 24 Lakehead 6 Waterloo 0
Fri Jan 23 Lakehead 4 Waterloo 3 OL
Sat Jan 17 Lakehead 1 Windsor 0 UW DEFAULTS 5-5 game
Fri Jan 16 Lakehead 7 Wind