Timpano's triumphant return

It was like an entirely different team Friday night, said Sudbury Wolves interim head coach Dave Matsos, and one he'd like to see more of.

The Wolves stonewalled the Belleville Bulls in front of a crowd of almost 4,000 spectators, with a 3-0 victory to show for their effort — an effort that will allow Matsos to sleep well.

“System wise, we've cleaned up a lot, but we're still a team that has to work hard against everyone,” Matsos said. “Things don't come easy for us, but I can sleep well at night if I get this sort of effort every night from the guys.”

Timpano stopped 31 shots on net to earn the shut out and first star for the night.

Scoring for the Wolves was Jacob Harris in the first period, Austin Clapham in the second and Kyle Capobianco in the third.

Assists went to Jeff Corbett, Brody Silk, Michael Pezzetta and Danny Desrochers.

“We played a very clean third period (after taking a 2-0 lead), and the message is to not just sit back and play defence,” Matsos said. “If we can gain the zone, and maintain puck possession, then by all means go to work.

It was a great return for Troy. I think he looked really square tonight, he managed pucks great, he killed plays, and he deflected the puck up into the mesh. I'm always one to say that we'll work off a face off any time, rather than running around in your D-zone.”

The gameplan for the last three home games of the season for the Wolves is to play clean hockey, Matsos said. Competing every period, paying attention to details, and being a good team mate is what's going to make that happen

“For the last nine periods of home-ice hockey, we want to play clean. We are one-third of the way through that, and ultimately they got three checkmarks on the night, one in each of the first, second and third periods.”

The Wolves won't have much time to enjoy the victory. The North Bay Battalion roll into town tomorrow night for a Sudbury Saturday Night hockey game. Game time is 7 p.m.