THUNDER BAY -- Kelin Ainsworth’s decision to return for a fifth and final OUA men’s hockey season is proving to be bountiful to the Lakehead Thunderwolves.
The Thunder Bay-born forward scored once and added four helpers as LU pulled the Saturday night upset, knocking off the No. 4-ranked University of Ontario Institute of Technology Ridgebacks 7-2 at Fort William Gardens.
The Wolves (4-4-1) handed their opponents just their second loss in 10 outings this season and took three of four points after dropping a 3-2 overtime decision the night before.
Seven different Lakehead players found the back of the net – three in each of the first two periods and one more in the third.
Dylan Butler kicked things off, scoring at 4:35 of the opening period, the first of three points he’d pick up on the night. Carson Dubchak and Patrick Murphy upped the LU lead to 3-0, Aninsworth and captain Justin Sefton adding goals 1:55 apart in the first three minutes of the second.
Brennen Dubchak and E.J. Faust also scored for the Thunderwolves, who beat starter Brendan O’Neill for all seven goals.
Back-up Tyson Teichmann left Friday night’s game with an injury.
Anthony Latina and Mitch Bennett scored for the Ridgebacks, who fired 29 shots at Lakehead goalie Devin Green.
The Wolves hit the road for a pair next weekend against the suddenly competitive RMC Paladins (3-7-0), who on Friday night knocked off Western in overtime.
