The Hartford Wolf Pack hit the XL Center Ice on Saturday for the team’s home opener, and it was an instant classic for all in attendance! The Wolf Pack faced their largest hole of the season as they found themselves down 3-0 heading into the second period when instantly, they saw life.

Hartford lit the lamp when Julien Gauthier capitalized on the powerplay after a loose puck was sitting in the slot. The Wolf Pack powerplay was the best part of their game as they scored on their next one as C.J Smith scored his first goal as a member of the Wolf Pack. The teams entered the final period with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton leading the Wolf Pack 3-2. Hartford had all the momentum throughout the second half of the game, and in the closing minutes of the third period, C.J. Smith scored his second goal of the game, tying it at three and sending the game to overtime.

The overtime period was back-and-forth as goalies were lights out, sending the contest to a shootout. Alex Nylander of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins scored the lone goal of the shootout, giving them the next point and leaving Hartford with a 4-3 victory.

The Wolf Pack return home to the XL Center this weekend as they host the Hershey Bears for a Hallo-Weekend Battle.