​Ripley Wolves down two games in semi-finals against Tavistock

The Ripley Wolves find themselves in a big hole after losing the first two games in their semi-final playoff series against the Tavistock Royals.

Game 1 was Saturday night at the Ripley Arena, and looked eerily similar to the two overtime losses the Wolves suffered at the hands of the Royals in last year's final. This time, Tavistock scored on an overtime powerplay to win, 4-3.

It was Ripley's first loss since Nov. 11.

The Wolves battled back from a second period 2-0 deficit to lead 3-2 with under two minutes left in the game, but an ill-timed and questionable hooking penalty at the Wolves blueline gave the Royals a late powerplay that they took advantage of, sending the game to overtime, where they ultimately drew first blood in the series.

Wolves goals were scored on separate, but similarly-incredible, individual efforts by Ethan Skinner (2), and Garrett Meurs. Assists went to Alex Kuntz and Cody Britton.

Ripley's back-up goalie Jacob Abbott, who got the start in place of Jason Hamilton (who was serving a one-game suspension stemming from an incident in the Erin series finale), played a solid game and gave his team a chance to win, stopping 35 of 39 shots.

Game 2 ran Sunday afternoon in Tavistock and Ripley suffered a 9-5 loss.

The Wolves fell behind, 3-0, in the first and couldn't sustain any momentum, giving up goals soon after they'd get one themselves.

Goal scorers were Brett Catto (2), Jarred Colling, Garrett Meurs, and Pat Looby. Assists went to Gerritt Satosek (2), Ethan Skinner (2), Dan Nicoloff, Nick Seiler, Kaden Hoggarth, Cody Britton, and Logan Swanton.

Goalie Jason Hamilton returned from his one-game suspension and faced 35 shots in the loss. The Wolves fired 28 on the Tavistock net.

Ripley looks to get back into the series at home to Tavistock, Saturday, March 9, at 7:30 p.m. Game 4 is Sunday, March 10, at 2:30 p.m. in Tavistock.