Owen Allard scored the game-winning goal at 11:31 of the third period, leading the Soo Greyhounds to a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Sudbury Wolves on Wednesday night at the Sudbury Community Arena. The Greyhounds showcased their determination in a match that had significant implications for their playoff hopes in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
Allard’s decisive goal marked his 14th of the season. He reflected on the play, crediting Justin Cloutier with a precise pass that set up the opportunity. “I would like to score more, not really getting the puck luck,” Allard said. “But if you stick with it long enough you get some bounces, and tonight was evidence of that. You put a puck on net, and it goes in.” The Greyhounds head coach, John Dean, praised Allard’s effort, stating, “What a great goal.”
Besides Allard’s goal, Brady Martin and Travis Hayes also contributed to the scoreboard for the Greyhounds, who finished the night with a record of 27 wins and 35 losses, positioning them at seventh in the OHL’s Western Conference standings. Their victory last night comes at a crucial time as the Greyhounds struggle to secure one of the remaining playoff spots.
The team improved their overall road record to 17-20-0-0 and managed to finish on a three-game win streak, their longest of the season. Previously, their best road stint was only a single win in succession. “This is one heck of a team to coach, and I am having a blast,” Dean remarked, highlighting the effort and resilience displayed by his players as they fight for the playoffs in the gritty competition of junior hockey.
On the other side of the ice, the Wolves received goals from Chase Coughlan and Greg Najda, though their efforts fell short as they could not overcome the Greyhounds’ late-game surge. Despite the loss, Sudbury has already secured their place in the playoffs and had been riding a successful streak prior to this match.
Nollan Lalonde, the standout goalie for the Greyhounds, successfully blocked 27 of 29 shots and was lauded by Dean for his performance, stating, “Lalonde was the best player on the ice.” His poise under pressure has been instrumental in helping the Greyhounds claim vital points as the season winds down. In contrast, Nate Krawchuk, the goalie for the Wolves, stopped 33 of 36 shots but has faced difficulties recently, with this loss marking his fifth straight defeat.
The victory places the Greyhounds at 58 points, three ahead of both the Owen Sound Attack and Sarnia Sting, each at 55 points in the standings, as they all vie for the final playoff spots. With two games remaining in the regular season, the Greyhounds approach their next contest against Saginaw with a mix of urgency and focus, knowing every point counts.
“I don't think any of us feel like we have breathing room,” Dean expressed, emphasizing the need to maintain pressure. “The mode we are in now is win every period. We have some big picture plans in our heads but the cushion in the standings does not change our approach for the next two hockey games.” The Greyhounds will host Saginaw on Friday, March 21, with puck drop scheduled for 7:07 p.m., followed by a home game against the Sting on Sunday, March 23, at 2:07 p.m.
This game served as a testament to the intense competition faced in the OHL, where each match plays a crucial role in defining a team's trajectory towards potential playoff glory. As the Greyhounds prepare for their upcoming games, they carry forward the momentum built from this hard-fought victory, determined to maximize their chances of postseason action.
