Spits top Wolves

Brady Vail’s team-high fourth goal of the young season proved to be the game-winner as the Windsor Spitfires downed the visiting Sudbury Wolves 5-2 in front of 5,960 fans at the WFCU Centre Sunday afternoon.

The goal was Vail’s second of the day, with the first coming on a power play 8:53 into the game. Vail also assisted on goals by Pat Sieloff, his first as a Spitfire, and Ben Johnson, who scored after the Wolves had pulled goaltender Joel Vinneau for an extra attacker.

“It’s nice to score those goals, especially early in the game it’s a big confidence boost,” Vail said. “I think after that one I kinda kept rolling.”

Last year’s leading scorer Kerby Rychel netted his first of the season, potting the rebound of a point shot by Patrick Sanvido. Adam Bateman drew the secondary assist.

The Wolves made things interesting by scoring twice 1:12 apart early in the third period to cut the Spitfires lead to 4-2, but Jaroslav Pavelka stood tall the rest of the way making 26 saves for the victory.

The Spitfires penalty kill unit was solid once again, going a perfect 2-2, while the power play contributed two goals on five opportunities.

Windsor took five of a possible six points in a grueling three game weekend.

The Spitfires are off until Thursday, Oct. 4 when they play host to the Guelph Storm. Game time is 7:05.

SUMMARY

FIRST PERIOD

WSR VAIL (3) (HO-SANG, McNAUGHTON) 8:53 PP

SECOND PERIOD

WSR RYCHEL (1) (SANVIDO, BATEMAN) 3:50, WSR VAIL (4) (MARCHESE, POSA) 4:35, WSR SIELOFF (1) (EBERT, VAIL)19:25 PP

THIRD PERIOD

SUD KAHUN (1) (LEIVO, SILK) 2:12, SUD KUBALIK (3) (UNASSISTED) 3:24, WSR JOHNSON (1) (VAIL) 19:35

SHOTS

WSR 11 – 18 – 7 – 36, SUD 9 – 8 – 11 – 28

PPS WSR 2-FOR-5, SUD 0-FOR-2