Falcons rally past Canucks; Kilty B’s, Junior Canadians also prevail
Nate Shirton scored three goals as the St. Catharines Falcons edged the Niagara Falls Canucks 5-4 in overtime Friday. File Photo: BILL POTRECZ.
The St. Catharines Falcons scored late in regulation and early in overtime to edge the Niagara Falls Canucks 5-4 in a Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League game played Friday night at the Seymour-Hanna Sports Complex.
Falcons winger Nate Shirton tied the game at 4-4 with 27 seconds remaining, then won it wth his 12th of the season 1:18 in OT on the power play.
“Nice to start the weekend with two points,” Falcons coach Tyler Bielby said. “Niagara Falls gave us a real honest effort and their speed kept us on our toes for 60 minutes.
“We made some costly mistakes and they were right there to capitalize. As a result, we were chasing the scoreboard for most of the game. However, proud of our players for sticking to game plan and being up to tie it up late in the game and win it in OT.”
Bielby also gave credit to rookie defenceman Lucas Tuin for a strong effort.
“Difference in the game was a play Tuin made. Down one and with Niagara Falls on a partial breakaway with an empty net to seal the game, Tuey’s second effort to lift the stick ended up being the difference for the two points,” Bielby said.
Shirton paced the offence with three goals while Blake Yetman had a goal and three assists, Jonah Boria a goal and an assist and Cameron Lowe three assists.
“The Lowe, Yetman, Shirton line really rose to the occasion and helped us get the win. They were determined to make a difference through 60 minutes, and they did,” Bielby said.
Alexander Hebblethwaite paced the Canucks with two goals while Kyle Caron and Braden Carruthers also scored.
The Falcons, 22-3-2, are in Caledonia Saturday night.
Kilty B’s 5 Hawks 2
Nathan Phillips collected two goals and an assist at the Hamilton Kilty B’s defeated the Thorold Blackhawks at the Vale Centre.
Connor Haynes, Dawson McKinney and Justin Monteith also scored for Hamilton.
Nathan Kelly and Ethan Bolibruck replied for the Hawks.
Junior Canadians 4 Panthers 2
Cody Miskolczi scored twice as the visiting Welland Junior Canadians doubled the Pelham Panthers.
Kevin Gould and Matthew Schlosser also scored for the winners.
Robbie Denham and Tyler Curnew replied for Pelham.
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