Wolf Pack Fall to Monsters 3-2 in Close Contest

A controversial call stood as the difference maker as the Wolf Pack suffered a midweek defeat.

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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The Hartford Wolf Pack hosted the Cleveland Monsters in a close game that ended in a 3-2 loss for the Wolf Pack. The game featured a controversial call that negated a potential game-tying goal for the Wolf Pack in the third period, ultimately deciding the outcome.

Why it matters

This loss is a setback for the Wolf Pack, who were looking to build momentum during their five-game home stand. The controversial call is likely to be a point of discussion, as it had a significant impact on the final result of the game.

The details

The Wolf Pack took an early 1-0 lead in the second period on a goal by Scott Morrow, but the Monsters responded with two quick goals to take a 2-1 lead. Morrow tied the game in the third period, but the Monsters regained the lead shortly after. The Wolf Pack believed they had tied the game late, but the goal was controversially waved off after a lengthy review.

  • The game was played on Wednesday, March 12, 2026.
  • The Wolf Pack took a 1-0 lead just over the 15 minute mark in the second period.
  • The Monsters scored two quick goals at the end of the second period to take a 2-1 lead.
  • Morrow tied the game with less than five minutes remaining in the third period.
  • The Monsters regained the lead just two minutes after the Wolf Pack tied the game.

The players

Scott Morrow

A second-year defenseman for the Hartford Wolf Pack who scored two goals in the game.

Brendan Gaunce

A player for the Cleveland Monsters who scored a power play goal to tie the game in the second period.

Zach Aston-Reese

A player for the Cleveland Monsters who assisted on the game-winning goal in the third period.

Spencer Martin

The goaltender for the Hartford Wolf Pack who made several key saves throughout the game.

Ivan Fedotov

The goaltender for the Cleveland Monsters who made several key saves to preserve the victory.

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What they’re saying

“The rule, as I understand it, is that it has to be conclusive evidence to overturn the call on the ice.”

— Grant Potulny, Wolf Pack head coach (Blueshirt Banter)

“You look at our third period, [we] played with more urgency. We were winning puck races. We were getting pucks to the net. I thought we did a better job of keeping the puck moving offensively. And I thought we did a better job of taking what the game gives us.”

— Grant Potulny, Wolf Pack head coach (Blueshirt Banter)

What’s next

The Wolf Pack and Monsters will cap off their season series at the PeoplesBank Arena on Friday, March 14, 2026 at 7 pm.

The takeaway

This game highlights the importance of officiating and the impact controversial calls can have on the outcome of a close hockey game. The Wolf Pack will look to rebound in their next matchup against the Monsters as they continue their home stand.