Skyhawks get doubled by Jr. Wolves

The Sudbury Jr. Wolves took a 3-2 series lead over the North Bay Skyhawks as the Wolves scored twice on the powerplay and added an empty net goal late in the third period to give the Jr. Wolves a 4-2 win in game five of the best-of-seven NOJHL final which took place Sunday night at the Sudbury arena.

Skyhawks head coach Kevin Kerr felt his team played a solid road game but couldn’t bury their powerplay chances.

Kerr said the turning point might have been a 5 on 3 chance the Skyhawks had in the second period and they couldn’t beat Wolves goalie Paul Pidutti.

“They capitalized on their powerplays and we didn’t,” said Kerr as his team didn’t score once with the man advantage in game five.

Dustin McCrank and Justin Piquette scored for the Skyhawks who held a lead of 2-1 midway through the game. Dominic Leveille got the start for the Hawks and turned away 14 shots in the loss.

Scott Lavigne, Jesse Graham, Brian McGarry and Rob Bonhomme scored for the Jr. Wolves who are one win away from their first ever NOJHL title after finishing dead last in 2004-2005.

The Skyhawks outshot the Jr. Wolves 38-18 in the game and Kerr said Pidutti played a key part of the Jr. Wolves victory turning away 36 of the Skyhawks shots.

With the Jr. Wolves taking the 3-2 lead, the Skyhawks realize their backs are now right against the wall. Another loss means the end of the season.

“We’ve got to come back here and win,” said Kerr.

“Everyone can do the math, it’s time to play desperate hockey.”

The two teams are back in North Bay for game six which takes place back in North Bay on Tuesday. Game time is 7 p.m. at Memorial Gardens.