The New England Black Wolves defeated the Philadelphia Wings 8-7 in their first overtime game of the season. Callum Crawford led his team with three goals, including the game-winner, to keep the Pack undefeated and first in the East Division.

The last time the Black Wolves saw overtime was in 2018 when they defeated the Calgary at home 13-12.

To start the contest, the Black Wolves jumped out to a 2-1 lead. 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.

The Wings came back strong in the second quarter and scored four unanswered goals to take a 5-2 lead. Philadelphia received its goals from former Black Wolf, Kevin Crowley and Alex Pace, Blaze Riorden and Matt Rambo.

In the first half, the Wings led 27-22 in shots and 3-1 in caused turnovers. The Black Wolves led 34-24 in loose balls and 23-20 in saves.

New England opened up the second half with a hot start. The Pack fired in three goals to tie the game up, 5-5. Crawford grabbed his second 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 it up.

The second half proved a battle as Philadelphia answered back with another Rambo goal. The tables continued to turn as both opponents went on to exchange goals and remain in a tie. Reilly O’Connor scooped one up and in over Higgins and evened the score at six.

Into the fourth quarter, Researits evened the score for the last time, netting in 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.

Both teams spent much of the first period of overtime exchanging the ball and going 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 solidify New England’s win.

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 tallied 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 will be back in action on Sunday, Jan. 26 when they welcome the Georgia Swarm to the Mohegan Sun Arena at 1pm. 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