Sharks feed on the opposition with three big victories

By Greg Coulter

The Wheatley Omstead Sharks endured an early season hectic schedule with three games in four nights, resulting in three big wins. Suspensions and injuries have resulted in rookies and affiliated players gaining valuable playing time.

“We’re running on a short bench at times,” said Coach Josh Carnevale. “Everyone is battling hard, and the results have allowed us to gain some very big character wins.”

Wednesday, Oct. 13 at home, the Sharks held a 3-1 lead midway through the second period only to see Wallaceburg tie it late in the frame.

The Sharks regrouped in the third notching two tallies while shutting down the opposition to come away with a 5-3 victory.

Shots favoured the Sharks 44-30 with goaltender Ethane Handley having a stellar performance especially in the late stages. Scoring was balanced through the team with Shannon Olson, Dallas Anderson, Ryan Mucha, Braydon Davis (winner) and Liam Sinasac notching goals. Rookies chipped in with four assists.

Sharks players get ready to celebrate a second period goal on a point blast from Ryan Mucha. Two third- period goals propelled the Sharks to a 5-3 home win over Wallaceburg.

SUN photo by Greg Coulter

Twenty-four hours later in Petrolia, the Sharks blasted 56 shots at the opposition and narrowly came away with a 5-4 overtime victory.

A slow start had the boys down 2-0 and 4-1 before they regrouped midway through the second.

Through the last half of the game with over 40 shots pelted at the opposing netminder, the Sharks were rewarded with a late second-period marker and two in the third to force overtime.

Shannon Olson tallied the winner in OT with assists from Mason Gow and Liam Sinasac. Gow and Sinasac also notched goals with rookies Owen Scratch and Ashton Anderson firing timely markers.

Goaltender Jackson Ford, with 30 shots, shut the door in the last half of the game with critical saves to force the overtime.

“After weathering a slow start, we showed relentless determination. It was a great win for us,” said Carnevale.

Saturday night, Oct. 16, with a rematch in Wallaceburg, a disciplined effort resulted in a solid 4-2 victory. Dallas Anderson led the way with two goals and one assist, with Brett Thomas and Shannon Olson also contributing goals. Rounding out the scoring with assists were Devin St. Pierre (2), Ashton Anderson (2), and Dan McClary (1). Ethan Handley in net faced 31 shots with the Sharks firing 29.

Overall, with the bulk of the scoring handled by the veterans, rookies and first-year players continue to impress with fine defensive play and timely offensive efforts.

Wednesday, Oct. 20 the Sharks return home for a rematch with Amherstburg. Puck drops at 7:30 p.m.