Falcons take 2-0 series lead
The St. Catharines Falcons raced out to an early 3-0 lead en route to a convincing 8-2 victory over the Hamilton Kilty B’s in Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League, Golden Horseshoe Conference playoff action Monday night in Hamilton.
The Falcons, who took Game 1 of the series with a decisive 5-1 victory, lead best-of-seven quarter-final playoff series 2-0.
Game 3 is Tuesday in St. Catharines with Game 4 Thursday in Hamilton.
“I thought we played really well,” St. Catharines coach/general manager Frank Girhiny said. “We got on them early and did a really nice job sticking to our game plan.
“I thought we had a really good game plan and our guys executed.”
Girhiny said the club appeared focused and ready to play as they prepared for the game.
“You could see the buy-in from the pre-game talk to the bench,” he said. “It’s momentum and we’re playing the game the right way.”
Xavier Drummond, who was among the best players for the Falcons in Game 1, continued his strong play with two more goals. Captain Kyle West also chipped in with two goals while Christian Girhiny, Dakota Miskolczi, Adam Pys and Mike Masotti added singles. Jacob Roach contributed four assists.
Mark Duarte and Mason Reeves scored late in the third for the Kilty B’s.
Noah Battaglia kicked out 32 shots for the win in goal.
Marco Costantini started in goal for Hamilton and was replaced after giving up three goals on five shots. GOJHL goaltender of the year Cal Schell replaced Constatini and surrendered five goals on 29 shots.
“They changed the goalie and brought in the goalie of the year and we got a bunch on him as well,” Girhiny said.
The Falcons were 2-for-9 on the power play while the Kilty B’s went scoreless in seven opportunities.
The Falcons can take a commanding 3-0 lead at home Tuesday, but Girhiny cautioned it won’t be an easy task.
“We talked about that at the end of the game,” he said. “Sometimes the hardest game to win is the third game. It’s a pivotal game. We have to win four to win the series and we know that.
“Tomorrow night is a totally different game.”
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