Lady Wolves chew up Moncton, now 2-0 at Esso Cup

The Sudbury Lady Wolves unleashed a 68-shot barrage on April 20 in Red Deer, Alta., grounding the Moncton Rockets 9-1 and improving their record to 2-0 at the 2015 Esso Cup.

Taylor McGaughey and Mélisa Kingsley scored two goals each for the two-time Ontario champions, with Tayler Murphy, Karli Shell, Jamie Ricci and Sophie Lebrun adding a goal apiece. Trailing 4-0 midway through the second period, the Rockets would break the shutout effort of Danica Lefrançois, with Brooke Murphy pulling the trigger.

With six points to their credit — the tournament is awarding three points for a regulation-time win — the Lady Wolves sit tied atop the standings with the host Red Deer Chiefs. The two teams go head-to-head April 21 at 9 p.m.

Sudbury will battle the Central Plains Capitals (0-1-1) on April 22 and the Edmonton Thunder (1-1-0) on April 23. The team appears to be in great shape to secure at least one of the top four semi-final berths on April 24.

The 2014 edition of the Lady Wolves secured bronze medals at the national girls midget AA championships in Stoney Creek last April.