ELY— The Timberwolves, who struggled mightily on the ice last season, are off to their best start in memory this year, notching a 3-1 record through their first four games of the season. After sweeping a weekend series at Kittson County to open the season, the Wolves went 1-1 at this past weekend’s home debut, taking on Mora on Friday and Saturday.
The visiting Mustangs took the opening match Friday night 4-1 but the Wolves rebounded on Saturday, edging Mora 2-1 in an afternoon matchup.
The Mustangs took advantage of power play opportunities in the second period to score two goals in the Friday contest. They notched their other two goals in the first, both at even strength. Ely notched their lone goal in the final period as senior forward Ty Walker tripped the buzzer at the 11:41 mark with assists from junior Brecken Sandberg and senior Tommy Homer to make it a 4-1 final.
Officials tagged Ely with six penalties for a total of 12 minutes in the box. Mora led with 24 shots on goal to 17 for Ely. Timberwolves goalie Ben Leeson notched 20 saves on the night.
Ely evened the series on Saturday, drawing blood at the 12:34 mark of the first period when senior Drew Marolt scored on a power play with an assist from fellow senior Kadein Zupancich.
Mora evened the score in the second period, but Marolt hit the net once more at the 12:17 mark of the third period to give Ely the win, 2-1. Senior Deegan Richards and Sandberg both notched assists.
Mora was tagged for six penalties to Ely’s two, but Ely senior defenseman Wes Sandy spent five minutes in the box for a check from behind early in the first period.
Leeson notched a command performance at the net for Ely, turning aside 29 of the 30 shots on goal for a .967 save percentage. The Wolves managed 22 shots on the net.
Ely traveled to Silver Bay on Tuesday (results were pending at presstime) and were scheduled to be in Ashland on Thursday. They’ll be back on home ice on Saturday to host Moose Lake, with a 1 p.m. start, and will remain at home next week to take on International Falls on Tuesday, with a 7 p.m. face-off.