Local pro hockey: Wolves’ franchise-worst slide continues in loss to Binghamton in home season finale

WATERTOWN — In their home season finale, the Watertown Wolves’ fortunes got off to a positive start Saturday night, But once again, a favorable opening to a game ultimately proved to be a mirage for the struggling Wolves. In what may be the franchise’s final home game, Watertown was turned away once again by arch-nemesis Binghamton. Darion Benchich scored a shorthanded goal early in the game, but the Black Bears generated the next nine goals en route to recording a 9-1 triumph against the Wolves in a Federal Prospects Hockey League game before a turnout of 703 at Watertown Municipal Arena.

With the setback, Watertown (14-34-6) was dealt its 11th consecutive loss, which is a franchise record. “Unfortunately, it’s more about the way you finish than the way you start,” Wolves team captain Dustin Henning said. “It would be nice if we could really get together a little bit, but we seem to keep running into that wall.

” The Wolves, who have never missed the playoffs, will also set a franchise first as they were eliminated from playoff contention back in March. “It’s a first for me, too, it’s my first year not making the playoffs,” Watertown coach Justin Coachman said. “And it’s been a tough year, there’s been games that one or two bounces could have gone our way against teams in the top four.

Like that Indiana team that was winning non stop early on. We had a tough schedule, we played 16 times and we played Danbury 16 times. “It’s tough seeing the same opponent that many times and we just couldn’t stay with them and hang with them, it seemed.