By Derek Holtom
The Waywayseecappo Wolverines are coming off an extremely successful month of January where they went 7-2-1-1, and enter the short month of February just three points back of the Neepawa Titans for third spot in the MJHL’s West Division.
Wolverines Head Coach and General Manager, Landyn Cochrane, says the improved play comes down to a healthy team using its depth to its advantage.
“We would attribute our success in January to being back fully healthy, and everyone buying into their roles,” says Cochrane. “We have four very strong lines who can play in any situation, and seven defensemen who all compete hard every night. We also have two starting goaltenders who give us a chance to win every night.”
If the Wolverines can match their play from January into February, there’s no telling how many more wins they can put up, and maybe start looking at sliding into the second or third seed spot.
Last week
Pistons 5, Wolverines 4 (OT)
The host Wolverines almost beat the powerhouse Steinbach Pistons Saturday night, but ultimately fell 5-4 in overtime.
The Wolverines held leads of 3-1 and 4-2 before the Pistons rallied with two goals late in the third, including the game tying goal with their goaltender pulled for the extra attacker. Steinbach’s Cole Cairns (fifth) then got the Pistons the extra point 1:58 into overtime.
“We pushed the pace for the majority of the game against Steinbach – we were fast, structured and creating offense the right way,” noted Cochrane. “There’s still a few things our group needs to clean up moving forward to make that final step.”
The Wolverines got goals from Blake Farthing (sixth), Ben Roulette (19th), Noah Oughton (fifth) and Dylan Duzan (12th).
Jase Wareham took the overtime loss, stopping 41 shots in the process.
Wolverines 5, Blizzard 2 (EN)
Wayway pulled away from a pesky Northern Manitoba Blizzard team as the Wolverines earned a 5-2 (EN) victory last Friday night on home ice.

Get the whole score on page 8 of this week's Russell Banner.