Sharks take bite out of Kings in opener

WHEATLEY — With a paid attendance of 248 fans, the Wheatley Omstead Sharks hosted the Dresden Kings in their 2021-22 home opener on Wednesday, October 6.

On-hand to drop the ceremonial first puck were members of the Wheatley Fire Department.

After falling behind 1-0 in the first, the Sharks struck for eight straight goals in their 8-1 victory.

The teams were both tentative in the first period with the Kings striking first. It would be the only puck they would get past Sharks’ goalie Jackson Ford.

Wheatley Omstead Sharks’ off-ice official and equipment manager Ken Dawson takes time during his lunch hour to carefully make last minute equipment adjustments.

SUN photo by Greg Coulter

The home team came out flying in the second, potting two goals in the first minute of play and cruising from there.

In total, Ford turned aside 22 of the 23 shots he faced, while Kings’ goalies Lemieux and Golden faced 41 Wheatley shots.

Cayden Anderson got the Sharks on the board in the first period with his first of two goals on the night. Not to be outdone, Dallas Anderson also scored twice. Singles went to Ashton Anderson, Shannon Olson, Dan McClary and Mason Gow.

Coach Josh Carnevale was very pleased to finally get back in front of a home crowd after a 20 month absence.

Wheatley’s Quinn Lenehan (11) and Ryan Cronheimer (5) celebrate the Sharks’ third goal in their home opener — an 8-1 win over Dresden on Wednesday, October 6.

SUN photo

“The players put in a 60-minute solid effort, highlighted by a six-goal outburst in the second period,” said Carnevale. “We’ve got a great mix of returning veterans and eager rookies. We feel that we are very capable of making a solid run through the league and playoffs.”

On Saturday in Mooretown, the Sharks dropped a 6-3 decision to the Flags. Sam VanGellecum, Braedon Caetano and Quinn Lenehan scored the Sharks’ goals.

The Sharks sit at 1-2-1 in fifth place in the Stobbs Division of the Provincial Junior Hockey League.

They host Mooretown tonight (Wednesday) at 7:30 pm at Wheatley Area Arena.