The Wellington Dukes got 2024 off on the right foot as they topped the host North York Rangers at Herb Carnegie Memorial Arena on Sunday afternoon.

Riding a two game slide heading into their first game of 2024, Wellington’s leading scorer provided all the offence the club would need to best the Blueshirts in the first period. Cory Jewitt’s 18th of the year at 3:06 would open the scoring and stake Wellington to a 1-0 lead.

Later in the frame on the power play, Mr. Jewitt doubled down with his 19th tally thanks in part to Ryan Schapp who picked up his second helper of the game.

In the second, Wellington continued to roll against the last place North York club. Dukes forward Nick DiPaolo would snipe his seventh of the year just 29 seconds into the second for a 3-0 Wellington lead.

At the midway point, Jack Lisson suffered his only blemish of the afternoon in the Wellington net as Noah Tyrell scored a power play goal for the host Rangers at 8:54.

In the third, Mr. Schapp added to his points total with his 17th of the season to make it a 4-1 final in favour of the visitors.

Wellington plays their first game at Lehigh Arena in 2024 this Sunday when they host the Aurora Tigers at 2:30 p.m.