Wolfpack hockey chipping away at Blades domination

Big games this weekend at Big Mine Ice Arena

It’s been a tough run for the Crested Butte Wolfpack hockey team against down-valley rival the Gunnison Blades this year. Since the season started, the Blades have dominated the Wolfpack, with the soundest beating coming two weeks ago when they handed the Wolfpack a 7-0 defeat.
But all of those games were in Gunnison and last Wednesday, the Wolfpack got a chance to host the Blades at Big Mine Ice Arena for the first time all season. Having some home ice advantage can make all the difference in the world, and it proved true once again as the Wolfpack battled to a 2-2 tie with the Blades on Wednesday, January 18.
Coaches John Mortell and Sean Kelly brought a fresh perspective to the big game the night before in an effort to facilitate a mental shift among the players. Rather than have the team lace up the skates and hit the ice for another workout, Mortell and Kelly took the team to a local gym for some off-ice instruction.
“We thought we needed to do more chalkboard time,” says Kelly, “how to defend the cycle properly and going over responsibilities player by player. I think we improved and I think it showed.”
So many things were working for the Wolfpack against the Blades that fans, players and maybe even the coaches could taste the win.
The defense was picking up the Blades cutters as they cycled abound and attacked the slot, and defenseman Ian Kelly continued to push the top Gunnison forwards outside against the boards. The Wolfpack’s breakout was quick and effective and their penalty kill, with one exception, was spot on.
In prior meetings, the Blades capitalized on power plays to build momentum and eventually destroy the Wolfpack. Wednesday night, the Wolfpack killed two early penalties to set a strong tone for the rest of the game.
“The whole week in practice we worked on our penalty kill and it all came together,” says captain Ben Reaman. “It definitely gave the team some fire.”
The final ingredient came from Wolfpack goalie Montana Wiggins.
Wiggins was on that night at Big Mine Ice Arena with a number of point-blank saves to hold off the Blades skaters who broke free for shots.
“That was his best game all season,” says Kelly.
The Wolfpack broke the scoreless tie midway through the second period following another penalty kill when Reaman carried the puck straight through the Blade’s zone, deked one defender and beat the Gunnison goalie for a 1-0 Crested Butte lead.
Four minutes later, the Blades responded when the Wolfpack fell into old habits. Caught in a brief stint of puck chasing, the Wolfpack struggled to clear the puck from their zone and Blades player Corey Whinnery slipped into the slot to score, tying the game 1-1.
Three minutes into the third period the Blades scored on a power play and the fear of another third-period breakdown loomed.
“It’s been mental breakdowns in the third period that have been killing us,” says Reaman.
“If you don’t stay disciplined, they can capitalize,” adds Kelly.
But this game was different. This game was at home and the Wolfpack was determined to defend their home ice against the Blades.
“It was awesome,” says Reaman. “Everyone was really stoked to play and to take it to them.”
When Troy Pike returned to the team from two years of knee issues, the coaches immediately put him in as a forward to skate with Reaman. Unfortunately, Pike’s knee was not up to the challenge and the coaches moved him back to defense to better utilize his vision and, more important, his shot.
“He’s got a wicked shot out there,” says Kelly.
The move paid off as Pike started lighting it up the weekend before the Blades game and then struck again against the Blades.
The Wolfpack picked up the pressure with solid fore-checking, holding the puck in the Blades’ zone. The effort had the Gunnison defense collapsed when the puck squirted out to Pike at the point and he blasted a low wrist shot through traffic to tie the game 2-2.
The Blades had one more golden opportunity during a defensive mix-up but Wiggins came through with a glove save to deny the upper corner on a shot in close and the Wolfpack penalty kill did the rest, to seal the tie in the final two minutes.
“The defense looked good,” says Kelly.
The Wolfpack remain at home this weekend as they host both Moffat County and Durango/Telluride. Games are on Saturday, January 28 at 1:15 and 9 p.m. and Sunday, January 29 at 1:15 p.m.
“I feel like overall the kids are working really hard and we’ve got great leadership from our seniors,” says Kelly. “Durango will be a good challenge this weekend.”
“Tying Gunnison was alright but we want to get another ‘W’ under our belt,” adds Reaman.