The La Ronge Ice Wolves dropped a 2-1 decision Friday night at home to the Melville Millionaires.
“Give Melville some credit, I think they played a solid defensive game,” said Ice Wolves Asst. Coach Kyle Schneider.
Cole Thomas opened the scoring 3:37 into the first frame when he sent an offering from the perimeter past Will Dyke, who made 32 saves for the win.
Jadon Iyogun and Caden Drury both scored late in the first period, which proved to be enough for Melville.
La Ronge tied the game late in regulation when Parker Layton sent a seeing-eye shot past Dyke, but the goal was eventually overturned.
Topher Chirico was brilliant in the La Ronge net, turning away 37 shots in a losing cause.
“He was outstanding,” said Schneider. “Topher made some unreal saves in the second and in the third. He was excellent and he deserved better tonight.”
With the loss, the Ice Wolves slipped to 14-26-4 on the season, which still has them 11th in the standings. Following Friday’s action, La Ronge is still five points back of Weyburn for the last playoff spot.
The Ice Wolves will try to rebound Saturday night at home when they meet the Melville Millionaires in the conclusion of the weekend series.