Callum Crawford (98) scored three goals, including the game-winner

in overtime, for the Black Wolves over the Philadelphia Wings.

Photos by Bill Harper





UNCASVILLE— The New England Black Wolves defeated the Philadelphia Wings 8-7 at the Mohegan Sun Arena on Saturday night. Callum Crawford led his team with three goals, including the game-winner, to keep the Wolves undefeated and first in the East Division. It was the Black Wolves’ first overtime game of the season. The last time the Black Wolves saw overtime was in 2018 when they defeated the Calgary at home 13-12.





The Black Wolves jumped out to a 2-1 lead in the first quarter. Dave Emala found a cutting Stephan Leblanc to put the Pack up 1-0. Crawford netted in his first of the game on a fast break set up by Brett Manney and Mackenzie Mitchell. But the Wings responded in the second stanza with four unanswered goals to grab a 5-2 lead. Former Black Wolf Kevin Crowley, Alex Pace, Blaze Riorden and Matt Rambo all scored for Philly. The Wings entered the locker room leading 27-22 in shots and 3-1 in caused turnovers at intermission, while the Black Wolves led 34-24 in loose balls and 23-20 in saves.

New England opened the second half with a 3-0 run to even the game at 5-5. Crawford grabbed his second goal of the night on a toss from rookie Andrew Kew. Joe Resetarits followed up with a strong cut down the center and nailed one past Zach Higgins in the net. Tony Malcom was able to hit the next goal in transition to tie things up.

The second half proved a battle as Philadelphia answered back with a goal from Rambo before Reilly O’Connor scooped one up and in over Higgins and evened the score at six.

Resetarits evened the score for the last time in the fourth quarter when he netted his second of the game and seventh for New England.

Twelve seconds remained in regulation with the score level at seven a piece. Philadelphia had the ball in its possession but was unable to convert any shots.

New England’s Joe Resetarits (15) scored one of his two tallies

to cut the Wings’ lead to one goal in the third quarter.

Both teams spent much of the overtime period exchanging the ball and matching each other shot for shot. Fortunately for the Black Wolves, Crawford slid his way around two Wings defenders and past Higgins in the upper right corner to give New England the victory.

New England finished the contest with 55 shots, 76 loose balls and three caused turnovers. Malcom led both sides with 12 loose balls for a new career high. He now has a team-high 38 loose balls this season. Joe Nardella went 5-of-19 from the faceoff circle and Doug Jamieson racked up 50 saves in the net.

Philadelphia totaled 57 shots, 59 loose balls and caused six turnovers. On the faceoff, Trevor Baptiste went 14 for 19 and Higgins stopped 47 shots.

The 4-0 Black Wolves return to action on Sunday, Jan. 26, when they will host the Georgia Swarm at the Mohegan Sun Arena for a 1 p.m. contest. Mascots from around the region will be on hand and kids are invited to come on the field after the game to take a shot on goal.

Game Leaders:

NE: Stephan Leblanc 1G, 3A, 4P, C. Crawford 3G, J. Resetarits 2G

PHL: M. Rambo 3G, K. Crowley 1G, 2A 3, B. Riorden 1G, 1A, 2P, C. Vitarelli 2A

—Staff Reports

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