Leeson, skaters end skid

Leeson, skaters end skid Ely goalie turns away 55 shots in 2-1 Senior Day win over Wadena

The Ely Timberwolves still haven’t snapped out of a scoring slump, but a stellar defensive and goaltending performance was enough to bring an end to a seven-game losing streak.

Senior goaltender Ben Leeson made a whopping 56 saves, including 18 in the final period, as the Timberwolves held on for a 2-1, high school hockey victory over Wadena-Deer Creek.

Saturday’s Senior Day matchup at the Ely Arena gave the Wolves only their fourth win of the winter, and their first since a Dec. 21, 4-3 victory at Wadena.

Ely had more than a few anxious moments, particularly at the end.

The Wolves were assessed for penalties twice in the final seven minutes of the game, including the last 1:56 after Owen Marolt went to the box for slashing.

In addition to the power play, Wadena- Deer Creek also pulled its goaltender but couldn’t get the equalizer despite the two-skater advantage.

Leeson stood up to the task, and the Wolves cleared the puck in the closing seconds to secure the win and bring an end to the losing skid.

Ely managed only five goals in that seven-game lull but got on the board early against the Wolverines as junior Rhett Johnson scored unassisted.

The Wolverines put 16 shots on goal in the first period, but Ely held a 1-0 edge.

In the second frame, Wadena-Deer Creek continued to pepper Leeson, outshooting Ely 23-8 and tying it up early on as Cooper Ness scored on the power play.

The visitors would get another power play chance but came up empty and Ely misfired on two power play opportunities.

It was 1-1 going into the third, and an early goal proved to be the difference.

Marolt, a sophomore forward, scored what proved to be the game-winner with an assist from Hunter Halbakken at the 1:24 mark.

That was it for scoring as Leeson turned away the rest of the Wolverines’ shots.

To celebrate his seniors, coach Jake Myers went with an all-senior starting lineup that included Leeson, Jace Huntbatch, Garrett Rohr, Brady Eaton, Jon Schlosser and Alex Merriman.

• Tuesday’s home game with Proctor was postponed because of cold weather and the cancellation of classes.

It will be made up on Friday, Jan. 31, with a 6 p.m. puck drop at the Ely Arena. That’s one of two remaining home games for the Wolves, with the home finale slated for Feb. 8 against North Shore.

• The Wolves are in the midst of a two-game weekend series on the road.

It started Friday with a rematch at Bagley and winds up with today’s 3 p.m. clash in Park Rapids.