Wolves Edge Enforcers in Shootout
By Jay Harris
Watertown, NY - In a game that went back and forth the entire night, the Watertown Wolves extended their winning streak to three consecutive games. Fans were able to celebrate a little early on New Year's Eve at Watertown Municipal Arena with a 4-3 shootout victory over the Elmira Enforcers.
Stepan Timofeyev scored the lone goal for the Enforcers in the first period. Watertown's Sam Williams came out on top in a fight, taking down Elmira's Kyle Stevens with 1:15 left in the frame. Elmira had a 1-0 lead heading into intermission, but Watertown led in shots on goal, 10-7.
Anton Kalinnin put the Wolves on the board early in the second period with a goal on a fast break. Egor Kostyukov put the Wolves in the lead two minutes later on a pass from Justin Portillo. Timofeyev got his second goal of the night on a power play from Josh Newberg's penalty. Elmira's third goal of the night came from Sean Reynolds at 16:19. A clip from Dmytro Babenko to Kostyukov caused a stoppage in play to issue Babenko a tripping penalty. Watertown's Sam Williams approached the Enforcers' penalty box and displayed his dissatisfaction with Babenko, and the exchange ended with Babenko throwing water in Williams' face, followed by Joe Cannan coming off the bench and hitting Williams. Cannan and Williams were sent to the locker rooms for the duration of the period for letting their tempers get the better of them. The score remained 2-3, Elmira for the rest of the frame.
Anton Lennartsson tied the game with help from Tyler Gjurich with his sixth power play goal of the season which eventually sent the game into overtime.
After a 5 minute scoreless overtime, the game went to a shootout. Timofeyev was the first, fourth, and fifth shooter for Elmira, only scoring on the fourth shot. Ahmed Mahfouz and Sean Reynolds were the second and third shooters, respectively, and both missed. Cameron Dimmitt was the first shooter for Watertown and scored. Anton Kalinnin shot second for the Wolves and scored. Yates and Gjurich were Watertown's third and fourth shooters and missed.
Kalinnin received the 1st Star of the Game with two goals, including the game-winner. Cameron Dimmitt's goal and two assists earned him the 2nd Star. Goalie Cody Karpinski received the 3rd Star, stopping 41 of 45 shots on goal.
The Watertown Wolves' next home game will be on Friday, January 4th at 7:30 PM when they host the Mentor Ice Breakers at the Watertown Municipal Arena.
Photo credit: CMC Advertising Design & Photography