Duco’s hat trick sparks Wolves
PEORIA — Left wing Mike Duco notched his first career hat trick, and right wing Bryon Bitz scored in his first game since March 2010 to help the Chicago Wolves earn a 5-2 victory over the Peoria Rivermen at Carver Arena on Friday night.
Forward Nathan Longpre also scored for the Wolves, while right wing Mark Mancari dished out 2 assists.
The Wolves (17-12-1-3) opened scoring with 1:38 remaining in the first period when Mancari fed Longpre, who snapped a shot past goalie Ben Bishop.
The Wolves doubled their lead on Duco’s first goal at 11:50 of the second period.
The Rivermen (17-16-2-1) cut their deficit in half just 15 seconds later when left wing Stefan Della Rovere beat goaltender Eddie Lack (30 saves).
Bitz scored 1:33 later for a 2-goal Wolves lead on an assist by Tim Miller.
The Wolves went ahead 4-1 with 50 seconds remaining in the middle period when Duco put the puck past Bishop, who posted 27 saves. Duco’s empty-net goal at 18:49 of the final period completed his hat trick.
The Wolves open a six-game homestand when they host the Lake Erie Monsters today at 7 p.m. at the Allstate Arena.