THUNDER BAY – Mitch Maunu scored the double overtime winner at the 5:33 mark as the Lakehead Thunderwolves (18-8-2 regular season)beat the Laurier Golden Hawks (22-5-1 regular season) 4-3 in the first game of the best of three OUA quarter-final.

The provincial quarter-final series continues in Waterloo on Saturday, February 28th at 7:30 p.m. at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex.

Laurier held three one-gold leads in the game in which the Thunderwolves were able to respond to. Three of Lakehead’s goals were off of defenseman including Maunu as well as two from veteran Drew Kivell.

Laurier, ranked number three in Canada got off to a good start with OUA regular season leading scorer Jean-Michel Rizk (Dunham, Que.) netting the game opener at the 6:21 mark of the first. Brock McPherson tied up the game just over five minutes later to see Luke Girard (Mississauga, Ont.) put the Hawks ahead once again early in the second. Kivell netted his first before Hawk defender Chad Kennedy (Mississauga, Ont.) picked up his first career playoff goal late in the second. Kivell tied up the contest midway through the third.

Rizk, Girard, Kennedy as well Mark Voakes (St. Thomas, Ont.) finished the contest with two points apiece. Garrett Sinfield (London, Ont.) had the final assist of those in purple-and-gold.

Backstop Jeff MacDougald (Shallow Lake, Ont.) was faced with 29 shots in the contest, making some great saves, while his counterpart Chris Whitley saw 38. There were only two power plays in the game with each team unsuccessful in their attempt.

A reminder for fans attending Saturday’s game that OUA post-season ticket prices are in effect at the following rates.  Adults $8, Students/Seniors $6, WLU Students/Children 2-12 $4 and passes are no longer valid.