The Lakehead Thunderwolves close out the first half of the season with a pair of home games versus the Regina Cougars this Friday and Saturday night at the Fort William Gardens. Game times will be 7:30 p.m. both nights.
Last Time Out
The Wolves are coming off a successful weekend on the road, collecting a pair of wins in Montreal against the Concordia Stingers. It was the first time the two teams have met, and before the series, Concordia was the only OUA team that Lakehead had not played. Friday nights game was a lopsided affair, as the Wolves jumped out to an early 5-0 lead and cruised to an 11-2 victory. Saturdays game was a matinee, and started out much the same way, as Lakehead once again opened up an early 5-0 lead. But this time Concordia hung in a little better, making the score a more respectable 7-4 in favor of the Thunderwolves.
On a Roll
Lakehead is riding a 7-game winning streak, the longest in the OUA. The Wolves offence has really been clicking lately - and sophomore forward Matt Caria has been leading the way. He scored 7 points last weekend at Concordia, and leads the Thunderwolves with 36 points in 18 games played. Caria is currently fourth amongst OUA scoring leaders.
Series History
Lakehead and Regina have played 4 times, as the Cougars have visited the Fort William Gardens in non-conference play on two separate occasions. The Wolves hold a slight edge in those games with a 2-1-1 record.
Reginas first visit to Thunder Bay came in early 2004, with Lakehead winning the first game on January 2nd by a 4-3 margin. The following night, the two teams played to a 3-3 draw.
The Cougars returned to the Gardens in October of 2007, and went back to Regina with a series split. The Thunderwolves won the Friday contest 7-2, but the Cougars came out on top Saturday night with a 4-1 win.
Like most games the Wolves play against Canada West opponents, the contests were quite physical, and that trend is expected to continue this weekend.
About the Cougars
Regina split a pair of games last weekend hosting the Calgary Dinos. Calgary went into Regina and beat the Cougars 3-0 on Friday night, but Regina rebounded on Saturday and defeated the Dinos 6-5.
Regina currently sits in 6th place in the tough Canada West Conference, with a record of 6-10-0 in league play. Three of those wins have come against highly ranked teams however, as the Cougars have already recorded two wins over Saskatchewan and another against Manitoba.
Cougar players to watch as scoring threats are Terrance DeLaronde, Lucas Isley, Dillon Johnstone, Tyler Penny, and Matt Strueby.
Special Events
Thunderwolves hockey fans have been known for their generosity, and will get a chance to show it again at both games this weekend.
Friday night there will be a non-perishable food donation table in the lobby, set-up in conjunction with the game night sponsor, CKPR 91.5 FM. Any fans bringing in food donations will have a chance to win tickets to see a performance of the stage play The Wizard of Oz at the Community Auditorium in January.
Saturday night is the TD Canada Trust Teddy Bear Toss, where fans can bring a new or like new teddy bear to the game and throw it onto the ice when the Wolves score their first goal of the game. All teddy bears collected will be donated to several local childrens charities.