Wild in tie for second place
By Bill Rea

Jordan Gidaro was trying to get the puck away from Rattler Will Scott in the third period of Sunday's match against Bradford. Dan Douglas and Kurt Zdrillich were providing back up.

The King Wild split their two matches last week, doubling the West Nipissing Alouettes 4-2 Saturday in Sturgeon Falls, then dropping a close 3-1 decision to the leagueleading Bradford Rattlers Sunday.

"We went up there with a short bench," commented Assistant Coach Cerrone Natale, who was in charge Saturday night, filling in for ailing Head Coach Paul Hampton. The long trip was made even longer by adverse weather, but he said the side stepped up well when it counted.

"Even if you go up with a short bench, we've got the guys to do what it takes," he declared. "It was a good character builder, I'd say, for the boys."

Jordan Gidaro led the attack Saturday with a pair of goals and an assist, while Matt Marchese and Dan Douglas notched one marker apiece. Marc Fortin, Kurt Zdrilich and Kyle Baulne each earned an assist.

Sunday's contest in King City was a close and hardfought affair. Bradford was up 1-0 at the end of the first period, but Sean Pollard soon had things tied in the second, with help from Marc Zanette and John Sturino, but Bradford got a powerplay marker before the frame was in the books to take the lead again.

The Wild had a number of chances to tie the game in the third period, including a power-play in the final minute, but they just

couldn't connect. The

Rattlers were able to get CLUB

their insurance marker in the dying seconds by scoring short-handed into the empty King net.

Hampton was lamenting about a short bench, stating six players were out of the line-up. but despite that, he was pleased with the effort his men put up against the first-place team.

"I think we played well," he said. "We played with them."

The Wild now share second place in the Greater Metro Junior A standings with the Richmond Hill Rams. Both teams have 48 points, while the Rattlers continue to lead with 66.

The Wild have a quiet week coming, with just one match. It will be Sunday at home against the Deseronto Thunder. The puck will drop at 5:45 p.m.