HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. – The Chicago Wolves defeated the Milwaukee Admirals 4-1 in preseason play at Triphahn Ice Arena. Rookie forward Samuel Blais accounted for two goals while Morgan Ellis recorded two assists and third-year goaltender Jordan Binnington stopped 23 of 24 shots.
Chicago struck 24 seconds into the game when Blais deflected an Ellis point shot. The Wolves held momentum throughout the first half of the period, earning the game’s first power play and, while they did not convert, Alex Friesen had a shorthanded breakaway attempt.
Though Milwaukee enjoyed a man advantage, including an abbreviated 5-on-3, the Wolves continued to control the first period. At 7:21, Emerson Clark made Chicago’s lead 2-0 with help from Ellis and Kenny Agostino. The Admirals chopped the Wolves’ lead in half at 17:45 of the first on Max Gortz’ power-play goal from the left point.
The Wolves picked up in the second frame where they left off in the first. Although they did not capitalize on 1:43 of carryover power-play time, nor a 5-on-3, Blais shelved the puck over Milwaukee goaltender Jonas Gunnarsson’s left shoulder for the 3-1 lead at 6:13 of the second.
The period featured end-to-end action and the teams trading quality scoring chances. Binnington stopped 10 shots to help preserve the lead. With under two minutes to play in the frame, the Admirals turned over the puck while attempting a power-play breakout. Wade Megan shoveled it over to Mackenzie MacEachern alone at the top of the crease and he roofed it for a short-handed goal and a 4-1 lead with 1:05 left in the second.
The Wolves open the 81st AHL regular season on the road Friday, Oct. 14, in Grand Rapids. Chicago returns home the following night for the back end of a home-and-home series with the Griffins, and its first game of the 2016-17 season at Allstate Arena. Join the team in celebrating its 23rd season with a free tailgate party in the arena’s West Lot from 4 to 6 p.m. To purchase tickets or get more information about the Wolves’ home opener, visit ChicagoWolves.com or call 1-800-THE-WOLVES.
