Greg Pankewicz scored three goals to lead the Midwest Division-rival Manitoba Moose to a 4-1 victory over the Chicago Wolves at the Rosemont Horizon Wednesday night. With half the season gone, the Wolves (30-9-2) continue to pace the International Hockey League.
Several winning streaks ended with the loss, including Chicago’s six-game home streak and five-game overall mark. Most significantly, goaltender Wendell Young (23-4-2), who had won 16 consecutive starts, lost his first game since a shootout loss to the Houston Aeros on Nov. 13. The 16-game stretch was the longest in recorded IHL history.
Coach John Anderson said the Wolves, who peppered Moose goaltender Rich Parent (4-7-2) with 38 shots, were hindered by an inability to hit the target.
“Parent played fairly steady, but it wasn’t anything spectacular,” Anderson said. “More than anything, I just think our shooting was a little off tonight and Parent was a little sharper than he normally is.”
With the victory, Manitoba (15-19-4) snapped the Wolves’ series winning streak at eight games, including all six previous meetings this season.
