by Rob Jenkins
Daily Lobo
Although the UNM Ice Wolves lost both of their games this weekend, they proved that they are a team to be reckoned with. Coming out and playing aggressive, physical hockey, the Ice Wolves established themselves as a team that will not be pushed over by any opponent, let alone on home ice.
UNC 8, Ice Wolves 4
The Ice Wolves started their home series with the University of Northern Colorado Bears on Friday night. While the Ice Wolves got down early, they showed tremendous poise and patience on the ice, maintaining pressure on the Bears throughout each shift.
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Just four minutes into the second period that patience paid off as right wing Anthony Martinez put a shot past the goalie by way of an Eric Solis assist.
Scoring for the Ice Wolves would continue into the third period when right wing Mike Wanigasekera scored on assists from Zac Currie and Nick Hoffman. The Ice Wolves' third goal came when team captain Nick Hoffman capitalized on an Anthony Martinez assist. The fourth and final goal of the game for the Wolves came from Ben Njus off assists from Nick Hoffman and Clint Morgan.
The Ice Wolves may not have had as many goals as the Bears Friday, but overall the game was a success for a team still working to establish themselves in the Rocky Mountain Collegiate Hockey Association.
"Our coach thought that we played a good game," defenseman Ben Njus said. "He thought that our systems were working well, it's just unfortunate that they put the puck in the net more times than we did."
Saturday evening's game would prove to reveal another side of the Ice Wolves. The Wolves came out and played their calculated, disciplined style of hockey but on this night they would add a vicious temper and a truckload of physicality.
UNC 12, Ice Wolves 3
The Bears capitalized on more shots at the Ice Wolves net, but each goal came with a price. Three Wolves goals would be the first installment of payback. The first goal for the Ice Wolves came from Oscar Solis, who handled the task unassisted.
The second and third goals came at the hands of Edgar Solis. The first of Solis' goals came off assists from Anthony Martinez and Oscar Solis.
His second goal came by way of assists by Nick Hoffman and Sean McAfee.
The second installment of payback came in the third period with a vicious hit by Edgar Solis on an opposing player. The Bear in question thought it better to reciprocate Solis' hospitality with violence and a fight between the two ensued. After proving that the Bears are no match for the Wolves in brawling, both the players were ejected.
"The Solis brothers come from Alaska, which has a tradition of rough hockey," Njus said. "The way they play up there is a lot rougher than it is in other places. Edgar is 5' 5", but he's not afraid of anyone."
The excitement did not stop there and on the very next shift another UNC player was met with a brutal check, this time by Ice Wolf Sean McAfee. Again the Bears responded with their kindness and both McAfee and his new friend were also ejected.
Another melee ensued when a UNC player got up close and personal with Ice Wolf Ben Kressy, again each player was ejected.
"It was an exciting third period to watch," Njus said. "The hitting was high, it was the way Hockey is supposed to be played."
