Cascade Cup Series: Game Three
By Garrett Fabris
Bellingham, WA – After capturing the first two games in Northern Pacific Hockey League’s Cascade Cup Championship series, the #1 Wenatchee Wolves hit the road for game three against the #2 Bellingham Blazers. As the puck dropped to start tonight’s action, the Wolves took advantage of a power play opportunity and scored the game’s first goal. About eight minutes later, and with 24 seconds left in the period, Brayden Durante scored the Wolves’ second goal of the night.
After closing out the first period with two goals by two separate players, the Wolves entered into the second period with a 2 – 0 lead over the Blazers. While in the second period, neither team could locate the back of the net. Thus keeping the score at 2 – 0, in favor of the Wolves, when the final horn sounded for the period. Despite no team finding the back of the net during the period, the Wolves did outshoot the Blazers, 12 – 7.
As the Blazers and Wolves hit the ice for the final period, the Blazers were able to come out and score the period’s only goal. On the Blazers’ goal, which came during the final seven minutes of the game, the team’s veteran defenseman – Kevin Duncan – scored. Duncan’s goal brought the Blazers within one goal of the Wolves. But the Wolves held on to the team’s lead as they beat the Blazers tonight, 2 – 1.
Ryan McKelvie, the Wolves’ head coach, also commented on tonight’s game. McKelvie said, “I'm really proud of our players. They capped off a special season by finding a way to win three very tight championship games against a very tough opponent. The guys showed a ton of character and heart in the win today, and all season.”
Since the Wolves won their third game in this best of five series, the program has now captured their first Cascade Cup Championship! The Wolves have now etched their name in NPHL’s history book as the 2016 Cascade Cup Champion.
Notable Performances:
(WEN) Hunter Alden (F) – two assists
(WEN) Bronson Moore (G) – one goal allowed, .961 save percentage, and the victory
(BEL) Broderick Parker (G) – two goals allowed on 39 shots faced and a .948 save percentage
Tune in to the NPHL’s website next week for a season recap from every team!
