​Wolves lose “AA” final in five games

It was a valiant effort that capped a great season, but the Ripley Wolves couldn't overcome two overtime losses in the WOAA Senior “AA” final and fell in five games to the Tavistock Royals.

Friday night, before another capacity crowd at the Ripley Arena, the Wolves fell behind 3-0 by the midway mark of the second period, before taking control of the game like they hadn't done to date in the series.

Dan Nicoloff gave the boys – and the crowd – some life with a mini-breakaway snipe, from Garrett Meurs and Pat Looby. Just a minute later, Ethan Skinner found the back of the net, from Nick Seiler and Derek Skinner, to bring the Wolves to within one.

Tavistock restored its two-goal lead with 4:25 left in the second, with yet another powerplay goal (an Achilles heel for the Wolves the whole series) but Cody Britton brought the Wolves back to within one to end the second period with his own powerplay marker, from Meurs and Seiler.

Seven minutes into the third period, Chase Meurs tied the game, from Gerrit Satosek and Derek Skinner. But the good vibes in the rink lasted only six minutes before Tavistock scored a gorgeous short-handed goal to take a lead it didn’t relinquish. The Royals added an empty-netter on their way to a 6-4 win and the WOAA Senior “AA” championship.

Goalie Jason Hamilton – as he has been for so many years – was fantastic in the Wolves net during a season where he set records for most wins, shut-outs and minutes played in WOAA Senior “A” league history.

The Ripley Wolves executive thanks the players for their dedication, hard work and commitment they gave for the team this year and, in many cases, for many years prior. They've given it their all every weekend since October, sacrificing time with their families, friends and careers (not to mention their health) to play a clean and wildly-entertaining style of hockey that had the village buzzing. Losing in the final hurts, but these men have nothing to hang their heads about.

The executive also thanks the coaching staff, led by Jeff Alcombrack, as well as trainer/manager Jeff Richardson and general manager Corey McCrae, for their outstanding work this season.

And thanks to the game staff – Mike Pollock, Hugh Nichol, and Dave Quinn – for their ongoing work at the time clock, as well as Terri and Josh France for working the front door at every game this season – a cold and thankless job. Big thanks, also, to Amy Smith for her live-streaming of the games over the past few weeks – a lot of people appreciated the effort, as well as Wade's commentary.

As they do every year, the team’s sponsors stepped up in a huge way this season, supporting the hockey club’s efforts to bring a highly-entertaining brand of hockey to the community. Thank you all for your continued support and please spend your money at these businesses at every opportunity.

And finally, thank you to the fans who showed up at unprecedented levels throughout the season and playoffs. The Wolves appreciate you for spending your winter months with them and the team looks forward to finishing the job next season!