The New England Wolves MJHL continued their winning ways against the Connecticut Nighthawks this past weekend.

Saturday’s 4-2 win featured 4 different scorers, Ryan Waddell, Jared Wood, Kevin Morello and Dillon Smith.  Laconia’s own Bryce Ricker recorded 2 assists, and Harley Eliason stopped 35 of 37 shots in nets.  The team was bolstered by the presence of the game’s Honorary Captain Grady Shoemaker.  Grady is a Gilford resident and Lakes Region Youth Hockey Squirt Player, who was involved in an accident over the summer, and through hard work, rehabilitation, and support from his loved one’s is back skating with his team.  His story helped to motivate the Wolves to victory.

Sunday’s game was an up and down battle, that was delayed due to the icy conditions on NH roads.  Once it started, the Wolves jumped out to a quick 2 goal lead on goals by Sam Mayberry and Jeff Scimone.  The tide turned quickly, however, as the Nighthawks responded with 4 unanswered goals.  Battling back early in the 3rd period with Shawn Sullivan’s goal, the hometown Wolves would take nearly the full length of the 3rd period to draw even.  Blake Babineau, who was moved up to forward for a critical power play with 5 minutes to go, would pot the tying goal on assists from Mikhail Astakhov and Dillon Smith.  After a scoreless overtime, the Wolves eventually succumbed to the Nighthawks via shootout, thus earning 1 point in the standings.

The Wolves return to action next weekend (January 24 & 25) with 2 games versus the Vermont Lumberjacks at Leddy Park Arena in Burlington. 

Congratulations to Kevin Morello (Monroe, NJ) and Hunter Craig (Limerick, ME) for their participation in the MJHL All- Star game played at Eisenhower Rink in Long Island on MLK Day.