Timberwolves double Ramblers 4-2

AMHERST?- It was a storm filled night as the Timberwolves came out of the wilds of Miramichi, but it was the referees that proved to be most dangerous, according to Ramblers Coach Corey Crocker.
Despite a valiant fight the Ramblers went down by a score of 4-2 in what Crocker called unsafe officiating at Amherst Stadium last night.
"It's the first time I ever coached where I felt very unsafe for my players because of the officiating," said Crocker. "I don't usually say stuff like that but both teams had to deal with the problem."
Despite the officiating, Crocker had nothing but praise for his opponents.
"My hats off to Miramichi," Crocker said. "They have a great team and they're very well coached.
During the first period a small, but boisterous crowd, watched as Amherst outhustled and outshot Miramichi 15-7.
But the play wasn't reflected on the scoreboard.
Timberwolves' Adam Ross was the first to light the scoreboard up at the 8:15 mark with assists from Scott Estey and Dave Williams.
It was then Paul Ross who found the back of the net for Miramichi at 17:02, giving the Timberwolves a 2-0 lead at the end of the second. Setting up the goal for the Timberwolves were Dylan Bellmore and Rudy Allen.
The Ramblers came out flying in the second and cut the lead in half on Adam Chipman's power play goal just 2:56 into the period.
Chipman found the back of the net off assists from Jordan Escott and Richard Belliveau.
At 15:36 into the period Miramichi regained their two-point lead when Rudy Allen lit up the scoreboard with assistance from Paul Ross and Bellmore.
At the end of the second the score was 3-1 for the Timberwolves.
The shots on net now stood at 24-18 for the Ramblers.
During the third period it was the penalty box doors that received the biggest workout as the game threatened to get out of hand.
Twenty-two penalties were issued during the period - 11 to the Ramblers and 11 to Miramichi.
In the midst of the melee the Timberwolves managed to deepen their lead by a score of 4-1 when Dylan Bellmore scored off assists from Chris Owens and Bret McGinnis during a power play at 15:16 into the third period.
With just 28 seconds left in the game Amherst captain Andrew Oakley cut the lead in half off a feed from Derek Smith.
At the final buzzer the score stood at 4-2 for Miramichi.

dmathieson@amherstdaily.com