Ice Land Skating Center – January 18, 2025
The West Chester Wolves battled hard but fell 3-2 in overtime to the Mercer Chiefs in a gritty NCDC showdown. Despite a valiant third-period comeback, the Wolves couldn't secure the extra point in front of a spirited crowd at Ice Land Skating Center.
After a scoreless first period, the Chiefs took control in the second, netting two goals. Samuel Ciappa broke the deadlock at 13:46, followed by Justin Thibault’s tally at 19:30, giving Mercer a 2-0 lead heading into the final frame.
The Wolves roared back in the third period. Bryan Weissler sparked the comeback with a shorthanded goal at 1:30, assisted by Charles Becnel and Harrison Kinne. Brayden Sprickman tied the game at 19:08, burying a clutch feed from Anton Berg and Joshua Swan.
Overtime was tightly contested, but Mercer’s Ryan Stratton delivered the game-winner at 4:38, assisted by Casey Johnson and Artyom Barashkin.
Goaltenders Shined
West Chester’s Griffin Davis was stellar in net, turning aside 33 shots in the loss. Mercer’s Dominick Gatto stood tall as well, making 37 saves to backstop the Chiefs to victory.
Special Teams and Physicality
Both teams played disciplined penalty kills, with neither side converting on power-play opportunities. Physicality was a defining factor, culminating in a spirited fight between Connor Stokes and Camden Carver late in the second period, resulting in game misconducts for both players.
