Wolfpack hockey closes regular season on winning streak

Hit the post season on a roll

The Crested Butte Wolfpack appears to be peaking when it matters most, the end of the regular season.
They closed league play last week with three wins, including a forfeit, to finish with a record of 10-8 and head into the playoffs the number five seed.
They kicked off the final stretch with a hard-fought 1-0 win over the Gunnison Blades on Wednesday, February 20.
After two scoreless periods of play, the Wolfpack broke the seal seven minutes into the third period during a power play when Dylan Curtiss scored off an assist from Sam Reaman.
The Wolfpack maintained control of the game to hold on for the 1-0 win.
“Gunnison came to play,” says Wolfpack coach John Mortell. “It was fairly even hockey and their goalie had some great saves.”
The win also secured a spot in the post-season for the Wolfpack.
“We needed one win out of the last three games so it was nice to get that first one against Gunnison,” says Mortell.
The Wolfpack then turned their attention to the weekend, closing the regular season against Front Range squad Regis.
“They’re one of the teams I’ve been worried about all year,” says Mortell. “I was sweating that team.”
 As a result, Mortell and the coaching staff had the team working hard to prepare for the Regis showdown and their efforts and attitudes during workouts paid off in spades as they handed Regis a 5-1 crushing.
Josh Melnick, back from a month on the injured reserve, opened the scoring for the Wolfpack five minutes into the first period with an unassisted goal.
Regis came right back 30 seconds later to tie it up but the Wolfpack carried their intensity into the second period to score three more times.
Wolfpack workhorse Danny D’Aquila scored off an assist by Dakota Wiggins a minute into the second period. Wiggins followed up six minutes later to score on a power play and Dylan Curtiss put the Wolfpack up 4-1 scoring in the final two minutes of the period.
Ian Dethloff iced the win midway through the third period, scoring off an assist from Reaman for the 5-1 win.
Montana Wiggins had a stellar effort in net with 29 saves on 30 shots.
“We dominated those guys and the entire team gave everything they had on every shift,” says Mortell.
With a pending storm and a 5-1 drubbing, Regis opted to forfeit the next game with the Wolfpack and head home.
Mortell couldn’t be happier with how the regular season ended and the team has two weeks of practice before the state tournament March 8-10.
“My goal was to make the playoffs and prove we belonged in the league and my goal was fulfilled,” says Mortell. “I thought we peaked last week and we’ve stepped it up even a little more.”