PNY Sports Arena – January 5, 2025
The West Chester Wolves faced the PAL Junior Islanders in a heated matchup at PNY Sports Arena, where intensity on the ice extended well beyond scoring plays. Despite a strong effort from the Wolves, they fell 4-2 in a game marked by big goals and even bigger penalties, including multiple fights that ignited the benches.
The action started with a goal by the Junior Islanders' Trey Wandall at 16:17 of the first period. West Chester found themselves trailing early, unable to capitalize on offensive opportunities in the opening frame.
The second period brought physicality to the forefront. A fight between Wolves defenseman Logan Lambrecht and PAL’s Max Einbender at 17:24 drew roars from the stands. Both players were handed majors for fighting, with Einbender also receiving an instigator penalty and a game misconduct. The Wolves gained some momentum from the exchange, as Joshua Swan found the back of the net at 13:22 to get West Chester on the board.
However, the Junior Islanders extended their lead with a shorthanded goal by Ryan McKenna at 19:16. Special teams played a pivotal role, as West Chester struggled to convert during key power-play opportunities.
The third period began with the Wolves clawing back into the game. Emil Szepesi netted a power-play goal at 2:22, assisted by Anton Berg and Bryan Weissler, narrowing the score to 3-2. But as time wound down, PAL’s Joey Romsey sealed the game with a shorthanded goal at 14:15, followed by an empty-net tally by Ivan Zelenov at 20:00.
The game was not without controversy, as tempers flared multiple times. PAL’s Nolan King and Ryan McKenna, along with West Chester’s Harrison Kinne, were handed game misconducts in the third period for various infractions, including roughing and unsportsmanlike conduct.
Griffin Davis made key saves for the Wolves, but the lapses in discpline and missed chances on the power play ultimately cost West Chester the win.
