The Renfrew Wolves aren’t drawing dead just yet, but Friday night’s 4-2 loss at the Ma-Te-Way Activity Centre leaves them committed to a full seven game set with the Ottawa Jr. Senators if they want to advance in the CCHL playoffs.
Renfrew started the series with a win away from home, but would then drop two straight one-goal decisions in the lead-up to Friday evening.
Game Four started as a tense affair, with both teams exchanging multiple power play opportunities through the first period. Renfrew opened scoring during a moment of even-strength hockey, as Mason Goldie found Trent Scullion for his first goal of the playoffs.
The Jr. Senators would rally back on the efforts of Anthony Provost and David Mabey, who scored in quick procession during the early minutes of the second period to give Ottawa the lead. Brendan Hill would bring the game level as the Wolves centerman scored on the power play late in the second frame. Wolves forward Conner Garcia would be sent off for a 10 minute misconduct just after the 15 minute mark in the second for a check to the head.
The third period saw several power play opportunities early for the Wolves, but they were unable to break the tie before Bodie Nobes did for Ottawa with 12 minutes left to play. Simon Isabelle would provide the empty net dagger in the waning moments.
Wolves goaltender Will Craig made 22 of 25 stops in a losing effort. William Desmarais stopped 34 shots on 36 attempts for the Jr. Senators.
Ottawa now leads the CCHL Semi-Finals series 3 games to 1 as Renfrew now faces elimination. Game Five goes at the Jim Durrell Sports Complex in Ottawa Saturday night. 96.1 myFM will carry the game, with the expected start at 7:30PM.
(written by Kasey Egan)
