Wolf Pack lose 7-3 to Utica Comets
The Hartford Wolf Pack opened a three-game road trip on Wednesday night by surrendering a season-high seven goals in a 7-3 loss to the Utica Comets.
A wild second period saw the Wolf Pack battle back from down 3-0 to even the tilt 3-3.
Moments after getting things even, however, Simon Nemec restored the lead for the Comets. A defensive breakdown led to a three-on-one down low for the Comets, with Shane Bowers holding possession. Bowers dished off to Nemec, who lifted a backhander over Dylan Garand for his fourth goal of the season.
The Wolf Pack started off well, generating the game’s first power play at 11:37 when Topias Vilen was whistled for boarding. The Wolf Pack took an offensive zone penalty moments later, however, setting up a four-on-four situation.
The Comets took advantage of the situation, striking first at 12:48. Max Willman worked his way down the left-wing side, then snuck a sharp angle shot by Garand for his second goal of the season.
After Vilen’s penalty expired, the Comets were given an abbreviated power play as Alex Belzile sat for interference. On that power play, Nolan Foote worked into a scoring area and snapped home his ninth goal of the season at 13:59.
The goal was Foote’s third in two games and came just 71 seconds after the strike from Willman.
The second period saw the sides combine for five goals, with the Wolf Pack holding a 3-2 edge to make it a 4-3 game through 40 minutes of play.
Chase Stillman opened the wild frame by snapping home his third goal of the season 5:06 into the period. Stillman worked his way down the right-wing side and beat Garand to make it a 3-0 spread in favor of the home side.
Just 32 seconds later, however, the Wolf Pack had the answer. Belzile sent a centering pass to Bo Groulx, who maneuvered his way just inside the right-wing circle. Groulx went top-shelf at 5:38, picking up his team-leading 12th goal of the season.
The Comets would head to the power play for the third time at 7:41 when Jake Leschyshyn was whistled for cross-checking. On the penalty kill, Dylan Roobroeck poked the puck out to center ice, then won a footrace for it.
Roobroeck created a breakaway for himself and beat Nico Daws for his first career shorthanded goal at 8:38. It was Hartford’s fifth shorthanded tally of the season, and Roobroeck’s seventh goal of his rookie campaign.
Anton Blidh capped off a stretch of three goals in 4:59, drawing the Wolf Pack back to even. Connor Mackey stepped into a drive along the left-wing boards that Blidh got a piece of. The puck snuck by Daws for Blidh’s tenth goal of the season. The assist was Mackey’s second of the period and seventh of the season.
Nemec restored the lead for good at 13:01, kicking off a stretch of four unanswered goals for the Comets.
Bowers’ assist was his second of the game and eighth of the season, while Nemec’s goal was his second of five points on the night (2 g, 3 a).
Nemec tacked on his second goal of the night just 93 seconds into the third period. After Daws made a strong save on a Groulx chance, the Comets moved up ice. Mike Hardman dropped a pass to Nemec, who beat Garand to make it 5-3.
Max Willman added his second goal of the game at 11:42, while Xavier Parent tapped home a backdoor feed at 16:50 to make it 7-3.
The Wolf Pack continue their road trip with a pair of games in Charlotte, NC, this weekend. The back-to-back set opens on Saturday with a 4:00 p.m. puck drop.
The Pack is back at the XL Center on Friday, Jan. 24, when the Laval Rocket make their second and final visit to the XL Center this season. Join us for $2 drafts and $2 hot dogs until the end of the first intermission!
Share your Hartford Wolf Pack experience with us by using #findingconnecticut on Instagram
Click here for the 2024-2025 Hartford Wolf Pack Home Schedule
Click here for the latest Hartford Wolf Pack
Click here for the latest news in Hartford
Click here for the upcoming events in Hartford
Click here for the latest news in Hartford County
Click here for upcoming events in Hartford County
Click here for Hartford Merch
#theartfordlife • 860 Hartford • I Clover Hartford • I’d rather be in Hartford • I Really Really Miss Hartford • Just a kid from Hartford • Hartord Coordinates • Hartford Pride
Hartford t shirts • Hartford hoodies • Hartford sweatshirts • Mugs • Stickers • Blankets
Click here for Hartford County Merch
••••• Message center – Connecticut savings and messages from our sponsors •••••••
Connecticut Merch
If you’re from Connecticut or just love it, then you’ve come to the right place. Show your state pride with our assortment of unique Connecticut merchandise.
Our popular collections 203 • Two o’ Three • 860 • Eight Six O’ • I Really Really Miss Connecticut • Just a kid from Connecticut • Pride • Love & Live • Connecticut Fall
We also have merch by town, not all towns are available yet. You can always contact us and we can order the design you are looking for.
Save 10% on all products with promo code Post10. Always free shipping
Fairfield Theatre Company Events
1/18 – Masters of the Telecaster – Click here for tickets
1/24 – 90’s Dance Party – Click here for tickets
1/25 – Deconstructing Dark Side of the Moon – Click here for tickets
1/26 – Parlor Greens – Click here for tickets
1/29 – Lee Dewyze – Click here for tickets
Gourmet Cookies
Indulge in Keksi gourmet cookies, featuring classic flavors such as chocolate chip and snickerdoodle, as well as new monthly creations. Made with the highest quality ingredients, each bite is a delicious treat. Perfect for any cookie lover!
Hartford Wolf Pack January 2025 home games
1.24.25 – Hartford Wolf Pack vs Laval Rocket click here to purchase tickets
1.25.25 – Hartford Wolf Pack vs Rochester Americans click here to purchase tickets
Movie showtimes at Prospector Theater
Looking to see a movie. Click here for showtimes
Save on CBD!
My name is Jillian, and I am the editor here at Finding Connecticut. When I came across New England Hemp Farm a few years ago, I had recently had my ankle fused. New England Hemp Farm’s Sports Relief Rub and 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil have helped with everyday and weather pain.
Finding quality products that can improve your day-to-day life can be tough, but with New England Hemp Farm, getting a good night’s sleep or relieving your pain and anxiety has never been easier. Plus, using our code Findingconnecticut35, you’ll save 35% on your first purchase. And don’t forget, returning customers can use code Findingconnecticut20 to save 20% on orders. Let us help you find relief and savings with New England Hemp Farm.
Products we use here at Finding Connecticut include Sports Relief Rub • 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil • Pet Drops • Pet Treats
Let’s create with Victory Designs
Need help with your creative needs? Our team has 20+ years of experience with Adobe, Shopify, and WordPress, and we offer affordable graphic design and web services. Let Victory Designs assist you with bringing your ideas to life.
Connecticut business owners:
Are you a local business owner in Connecticut looking to boost your visibility and reach more customers? Look no further! Our platform provides a unique opportunity to showcase your business to an engaged audience of people who love and live in Connecticut. By partnering with us, you can reach potential customers who are actively seeking things to do, places to dine, and local merchants and service providers to support. Don’t miss out on this chance to grow your business and connect with the local community!
Connecticut with us!
Stay informed with daily news directly in your inbox! Our service is completely free, and we guarantee your privacy – your email and information will never be shared, traded, or sold.
Stay connected with us on social media
Facebook • Instagram • Threads • Tiktok • X • Google News • Newsbreak
Join our Reddit community
Share your Connecticut experiences with us by using #findingconnecticut on Instagram
Click here to return to Finding Connecticut’s home page
Don’t miss our reviews
Concert reviews • Restaurant reviews • Family restaurant reviews
Looking for the latest news by region, topic, and events
Latest news by region
Fairfield County • Hartford County • Litchfield County • Middlesex County • New Haven County • New London County• Tolland County • Windham County
Latest sports news by team
Hartford Wolf Pack • Hartford Yard Goats • Connecticut Sun • Norwich Sea Unicorns •
2025 schedules
Hartford Wolf Pack • Hartford Yard Goats • Connecticut Sun • Norwich Sea Unicorns
Events by region
Fairfield County • Hartford County • Litchfield County • New Haven County • New London County • Middlesex County • Tolland County • Windham County
Events by Interest
Art • Sports • Family Friendly • History • Concerts • Farmers’ Markets
Events by the month
January 2025 • February 2025 • March 2025 • April 2025 • May 2025 • June 2025 • July 2025 • August 2025 • September 2025 • October 2025 • November 2025 • December 2025
Events by venue
College Street Music Hall • Space Ballroom • Westville Music Bowl • District Music Hall • Fairfield Theatre Company • Hartford Stage • The Bushnell • Goodspeed Opera House • Mohegan Sun • Foxwoods • New York Comedy Club Stamford • Westport Country Playhouse • Goodspeed Opera House