Story by Brock Ormond

Photo: OJHL Images/Wellington Dukes

Searching for an opportunity to keep pace in the Southeast Conference, the Wellington Dukes dropped a tough one-goal decision in enemy territory on Saturday night.

Despite the Dukes outshooting Toronto 43-24, Gabriel Ciarallo’s goal with 7:16 remaining in the third period turned out to be the difference in a 3-2 Toronto Patriots victory.

The Pats victimized Wellington with a pair of 1st period markers courtesy of Jack Piper and Jacob Guest, despite the Dukes pouring 18 shots on Chris Quizi in the Toronto goal.

The Dukes offence awakened with a Ryan Cutler powerplay goal, set up by David Campbell and Luke Strickland at 8:22 of the second stanza.

Strickland bagged an unassisted marker 3:12 into the third to knot the count at two apiece, before Ciarallo’s marker broke the Dukes hearts.

Despite a late push, Wellington left Westwood Arena with no points and stalled progress in the Southeast.

Ethan Morrow made 21 stops in the loss, as Wellington falls to 30-11-2-2 on the season.

The Dukes will be back in action looking for a rebound against the arch-rival Trenton Golden Hawks on Friday, with game time being 7:30 p.m. at Lehigh Arena.

Wellington can officially win the Hasty Ps Cup for the first time with a victory.