The battle between two CIS Top 10 teams was no disappointment as the No. 8 Lakehead Thunderwolves fought to a wild 1-0 victory over the No. 9 University of Manitoba Bisons in the second game of Day 2 action at the sixth annual Lakehead Thunderwolves TBayTel Varsity Cup men’s hockey tournament Friday night at the Fort William Gardens in Thunder Bay.

The game was a wild penalty filled affair that featured the stellar goaltending of Manitoba’s Steve Christie and the timely netminding of Lakehead’s Chris Whitley. Christie was the star of the night; stopping numerous dangerous Lakehead chances throughout the game; including at least a half dozen breakaways.

The lone goal of the game was a powerplay tally by the Wolves Brock McPherson at 7:44 of the third period; set up by Mark Soares. Christie made three initial saves before McPherson finally lifted it past him for the game winner.

Lakehead outshot Manitoba 40-20 in the game. Lakehead was 1-10 on the powerplay while Manitoba was 0-6. The first two periods were full of penalties and melees in the fiery match but neither team could score on their opportunities.

The third period was much cleaner with more fluid hockey; but still featured a five minute major to each side. Lakehead had the edge in play for a majority of the game but Manitoba used their speed for quick and dangerous counterattacks that kept Lakehead’s Whitley on his toes; especially during a three minute span near the end of the game. The Bisons pulled Christie in the last minute but a strong Lakehead forecheck kept Manitoba from getting anything going and gave the Wolves the victory.

The win puts Lakhead at 2-0 in tourney play and in good position to make it to the tourney championship on Sunday. However, to ensure that berth, they need to beat the tough York Lions on Saturday night. Manitoba goes to 1-1 in tourney action and need to beat Toronto in the early game on Saturday for a shot at the tourney championship.

Scoring Summary:
Per: 1: No Scoring.
Per. 2: No Scoring.
Per. 3:
1) 7:44: PP: Lakehead: Kris Brock McPherson from Mark Soares

The Molson’s Three Stars, as chosen by Reuben Villagracia of the Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal, were:
1) Lakehead: Brock McPherson
2) Lakehead: Shandor Alphonso
3) Manitoba: Steve Christie

TBayTel Varsity Cup Day 3 tourney action will see No. 9 Manitoba face off against Toronto Saturday afternoon at 4:00 pm EST and No. 8 Lakehead square off against York at 7:30 pm EST.