Wolf Pack Fall to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in Home Opener, 5-2

UPDATE: The Hartford Wolf Pack suffered a disappointing defeat in their season opener, losing 5-2 to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on October 13, 2023, at the PeoplesBank Arena. The Penguins dominated early, taking a commanding three-goal lead that the Wolf Pack could not overcome.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton struck first as Rafael Harvey-Pinard and Atley Calvert netted goals in the first period, followed by Avery Hayes scoring early in the second period to extend the lead to 3-0. The Wolf Pack, now with a record of 0-2-0-0, finally found the back of the net when Gabe Perreault scored at 16:41 of the second period, assisted by Dylan Roobroeck and Blake Hillman.

The third period saw the Wolf Pack rally, with Adam Sykora pulling them within a goal at 6:50, with assistance from Derrick Pouliot and Conner Mackey. However, Calvert quickly dashed their hopes by scoring his second goal of the night at 11:53. Tristan Broz capped off the scoring with an empty-netter at 17:53, sealing the Wolf Pack’s fate.

In goal, Sergei Murashov was impressive for the Penguins, stopping 28 shots, while Dyland Garand made 27 saves for Hartford.

The Wolf Pack are set to return to the ice on Saturday, October 14, 2023, facing off against the Providence Bruins at 7:05 p.m. Fans will be looking for a turnaround as the team seeks their first win of the season.

Stay tuned for further developments as the Wolf Pack aim to bounce back in their next matchup.