INDEPENDENT STAFF

After opening the Southern Ontario Junior Hockey League season on the road, the Wellesley Applejacks kicked off its home-ice schedule this past weekend.

Wellesley fell 5-4 to Ayr Centennials on Saturday night in its home opener, then dropped a 6-2 decision to the visiting New Hamburg Firebirds, Sunday.

In Saturday’s game against Ayr, Wellesley had jumped out to a 4-1 lead on goals Josh Herd, Rob Hinschberger, Devon Wagler and Mark Detzler.

Ayr rallied to win the game by scoring four unanswered goals, which included a trio of third-period markers. Scoring for the Centennials were Syd Saunders, Aaron Hosszu, Alex Mutton, Hunter Moore and Spencer Sweazy.

Sunday, Wellesley led 2-1 early in the second period before New Hamburg struck for five unanswered goals to down the Applejacks 5-4.

Michael Pollice and Wagner scored for Wellesley.

Coy Kulich, Kyle Mohr, Trevor Sweetland, Matt Yantzi, Jaden Goetz and Murray countered for the Firebirds.

Wellesley had entered the weekend undefeated after winning all four of their opening games on the road. The team endured its first loss of a season at New Hamburg, Friday.

New Hamburg broke a 4-4 tie mid-way through the second period with three unanswered goals en route to a 7-4 victory.

Troy Williams, Reid Denstedt, Connor McLeod and Tyler Eckert scored for the Applejacks.

Scoring for the Firebirds were Sam Murray (2), Sean Kienapple, Jaden Goetz, Sean Hergott and Nick Pope.

Wellesley hits the road for a trio of games this weekend — Friday at Tavistock, Saturday at Hagersville and Sunday at Burford.