Weekend junior B roundup
Carson Eden scored the winning goal as the Niagara Falls Canucks edged the Pelham Panthers 2-1 in Pelham Sunday. Photo by: BILL POTRECZ
The Pelham Panthers rebounded from a tough loss last week to turn in two solid efforts over the weekend in Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League, Golden Horseshoe Conference action.
The Panthers, who blew a 5-1 lead last Sunday and dropped a 6-5 overtime decision to the Thorold Blackhawks, rebounded with a 3-2 win at Fort Erie Saturday followed up by a close 2-1 loss at home to the Niagara Falls Canucks Sunday afternoon at the Meridian Community Centre.
“We talked about the loss to Thorold and how mentally that can be a challenge to overcome,” Panthers coach Chris Lukey said. “Our goal all week in practice was to prepare for Fort Erie. That can be a tough rink to play and a tough place to walk away with a win.
“I’m really proud of the way the guys mentally and emotionally rebounded from the Thorold game.”
Liam Blackhurst, Luca Marandola and Cody Miskolczi scored for the Panthers as they jumped out to a 3-0 lead after one period in Fort Erie.
Hunter Zoccoli and Marcus Regina got the Meteors on the board in the third.
Brayden Kelso had a strong outing in goal, turning back 39 shots to earn the win.
Joshua Smith made 22 saves in a losing effort.
Sunday at home, the Panthers fell behind 2-0 in the second period as William Mahoney and Carson Eden scored for the Canucks.
William Stewart netted his first of the season for Pelham later in the period.
Kelso had another solid effort, kicking out 41 shots.
Mihailo Corovic made 29 saves in goal for the Canucks.
“We took some very undisciplined penalties and they ended up scoring the winning goal on a five-on-three,” Lukey said. “It’s kind of a common theme this year. We’re taking penalties at the wrong time and beating ourselves.
“That was the third game we lost by one goal. We need to be a little bit more disciplined. We’re competing. We’re right there. We’re close. The key is to not beat ourselves.”
Corvairs 4 Kilty B’s 2
The Caledonia Corvairs handed the visiting Hamilton Kilty B’s their first loss after seven consecutive wins to start the season Saturday night.
Nick Cutaia, Christian King, Mason Mantzavrakos and Zach Di Cesare scored for the Corvairs who broke open a close game with goals in the third period.
Josh Hampel and Ryan McGuire replied for the Kilty B’s.
Ethan Langevin made 31 saves in goal for the win while Braeden McIntosh turned back 36 shots in a losing effort.
Junior Canadians 5 Blackhawks 1
The Welland Junior Canadians ended a five-game losing streak and won for the first time since opening night with a victory over the visiting Thorold Blackhawks Sunday night.
Zach Kent and Nathan Phillips each had two goals for the winners while Noah Patrick added one.
Blake Hudson gave Thorold a short-lived 1-0 lead in the first period with his first of the season.
Keegan Jackson made 30 saves for the win in goal.
Noah Fortuna made the start for the Hawks and permitted five goals on 26 shots before being replaced by Nico Balice, who made 15 saves without allowing a goal.
THIS WEEK
MONDAY
Niagara Falls at Thorold, 7 p.m.
FRIDAY
Welland at St. Catharines, 7 p.m.
Caledonia at Niagara Falls, 7 p.m.
SATURDAY
Hamilton at Fort Erie, 7:15 p.m.
Pelham at Caledonia, 7:30 p.m.
SUNDAY
Thorold at Pelham, 2:45 p.m.
Niagara Falls at Welland, 7 p.m.
STANDINGS
1. Hamilton 7-1-14
2. St. Catharines 6-2-0-1-13
3. Niagara Falls 5-3-1-11
4. Caledonia 4-3-0-1-9
5. Fort Erie 3-3-1-7
6. Pelham 2-3-2-6
7. Thorold 2-4-1-5
8. Welland 2-5-4
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