​Ripley Wolves clinch first overall with 5-4 win over Minto

It took a late third-period goal from Cody Britton for the Ripley Wolves to defeat Minto, 5-4, Saturday night at the Ripley Arena, clinching first overall in the Ontario Elite Hockey League (OEHL) regular season.

It was a highly-entertaining, physical game that saw numerous lead changes, but once Britton found the back of the net late in the third, it was almost a certainty that Ripley would get the point it needed to claim top spot and home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs.

Other Wolves goals were scored by Kaden Hoggarth (2), Evan Visser, and Logan Swanton. Assists went to Todd Hellyer (2), Garrett Meurs, Alex Kuntz, Jarred Colling, Derek Skinner, Nick Seiler, and Visser (2).

Goalie Jason Hamilton stopped 22 of 26 shots and came up with some huge saves as a Minto team, desperate for points to move up the log-jam that is second to seventh place, pushed hard in the third.

On a side note, the Ripley-Huron Legion 50-50 draw from Saturday night's game went unclaimed. Check your tickets for No. 684130 and text Dwight Irwin at 519-525-7106 if it's yours. Proof will be needed, of course.



Ripley Wolves goalie Jason Hamilton makes the save off his shoulder in the game against Minto, Saturday night at the Ripley Arena; photos by David Dadson

The Wolves wrap up the regular season, Friday, Feb. 2, with a make-up game at 8:30 p.m. in Ripley, against the Georgian Bay Applekings, who, along with the Erin Outlaws, are battling for the eighth and final spot in the 'A' side of the league's playoff bracket, and a date with Ripley in the first round. Game sponsors are (S)he Shed Beauty Boutique and Sobeys.

The OEHL playoffs will begin the weekend of Feb. 9.



Kaden Hoggarth (in front) of the Wolves fires the puck at the net ...



... And then cheers as it soars past the Minto goalie and into the net; with an assist to teammate Evan Visser (left)