CEDAR PARK, Texas — The Chicago Wolves were unable to complete the opening-weekend sweep as they fell to the Texas Stars 4-1 Saturday night at Cedar Park Center.
The Wolves (1-1-0-0) got their lone goal of the game from defenseman Jani Hakanpaa in the second period, but it was not enough to escape the three-goal lead Texas built up.
The Stars (1-0-0-0) received a big game from center Travis Morin, who registered four points (2G, 2A) on the night. Goaltender Jack Campbell (1-0-0) stood tall and made 18 saves to earn the win.
Forward Colton Sceviour opened scoring 10 minutes into the game for Texas, receiving a pass from Morin for a tap-in past Wolves goaltender Matt Climie (0-1-0), who made 34 saves.
The Stars struck again early in the second period as they capitalized on a power play five minutes in. Defenseman Maxime Fortunus ripped a shot from the point that beat a heavily-screened Climie. Texas padded its lead 10 minutes later when Morin broke out on a 2-on-1 and scored top-shelf.
Hakanpaa tallied his first goal of the season at the end of the second period. Center Corey Locke found the puck on the boards and threw it toward the net, where Hakanpaa deflected it past Campbell. Locke has two points (G, A) through two games in his first season with Chicago.
Morin brought the Stars’ lead back to three goals in the third period, wrapping around from behind the net to catch his own rebound and place a perfect shot over Climie’s shoulder.
The Wolves host San Antonio in their 20th home opener at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12, at Allstate Arena. For tickets, call 1-800-THE-WOLVES or visit ChicagoWolves.com.
TEXAS 4, WOLVES 1
Chicago 0 1 0 — 1
Texas 1 2 1 — 4
First Period—1, Texas, Sceviour 1 (Morin, Jokipakka), 10:07. Penalties—None.
Second Period—2, Texas, Fortunus 1 (Morin, Stransky), 5:01 pp; 3, Texas, Morin 1 (unassisted), 15:32; 4, Chicago, Hakanpaa 1 (Locke), 16:52. Penalties—Climie, Chicago (roughing), 4:05; Wrenn, Texas (tripping), 8:04.
Third Period—5, Texas, Morin 2 (Sceviour, Jokipakka), 7:51. Penalties—Porter, Chicago (roughing), 8:25; Montgomery, Texas (cross-checking), 8:25; Wrenn, Texas (slashing), 10:11; Fortunus, Texas (tripping), 14:47; Hakanpaa, Chicago (roughing), 17:58; McKenzie, Texas (roughing), 17:58; Jaskin, Chicago (interference), 19:44.
Shots on goal—Chicago: 5-10-4—19; Texas: 12-10-16—38. Power plays—Chicago 0-3; Texas 1-2. Goalies—Chicago, Climie (34-38), Texas, Campbell (18-19). A—6,045. Referee—Brent Montsion. Linesmen—Mike Winslow and Paul Wilkinson.
