Wheelock (2-2) jumped out to the early lead just 2:09 in on an unassisted goal by Eddie Romero. Parker Chute (Brentwood, N.H. / Exeter) drew the Terriers (0-1) even midway through the first quarter with a goal assisted by Colby Blondin (Colchester, Vt. / Colchester) at the 6:19 mark. Romero added another goal with just over a minute remaining to give the Wildcats a 2-1 lead after one.
The Wildcats dominated the second frame, with Romero scoring three more goals, including a man-up goal assisted by Brendan Nardone, giving Wheelock a 5-1 advantage heading into halftime.
Zac Crimmin (Westbrook, Maine / Westbrook) scored the lone goal of the third quarter with just over a minute remaining, assisted by Blondin.
Wheelock opened the fourth quarter with a quick goal by Noah Horning 29 seconds in, followed by two goals by Luiz Fontenelle. Blondin closed the scoring on an unassisted goal with 13 seconds remaining to end the game at 8-3.
Romero finished with six points (five goals, assist), as well as ten shots on goal, to lead all scorers. Blondin (goal, two assists) led the Terriers with three points and three shots on goal.
Matt White and Nardone led the Wildcats with six groundballs each, with Blondin leading Thomas with six of his own. Overall, Wheelock held a 34-23 advantage in groundballs.
Noah Horning earned the victory in net, stopping three of five shots. Gary Broad allowed one goal on one shot after entering the game with four minutes remaining to replace Horning, who was serving a penalty. Connor Lamberton (Shohola, Pa. / Delaware Valley) was tagged with the loss for the Terriers, surrendering eight goals on 22 shots. Lamberton was briefly replaced by Dakota Gendreau (Waterville, Maine / Waterville), while serving a penalty, who faced no shots in two minutes of action.
Thomas will return to Smith Field on Saturday, March 19 against St. Joseph's (ME) in an 11:00 am contest.