Falcons top Meteors in final regular season game at The Jack
The St. Catharines Falcons closed out the home portion of their Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League, Golden Horseshoe Conference schedule Friday night at the Jack Gatecliff Arena with a 2-1 victory over the Fort Erie Meteors before an announced crowd of 1,066 fans.
It was the final regular season game for the Falcons at their long-time home which will be closed following the playoffs. The Falcons will move to the Seymour-Hannah Sports Complex next season.
“Prior to the game we talked a lot about tradition and the work that goes into such a storied franchise,” Falcons coach Tyler Bielby said. “Made sure the young men in the room tonight knew that they were a part of something special. We talked about how the game of hockey creates so many memories for so many people. I challenged the players to create their own memories tonight. They may not realize what they are a part of in the moment, but they will definitely have an appreciation for it down the road in life.
“Was nice to pull off the win, in the name of tradition, for the Jack.”
The Falcons outshot the Meteors 15-5 in the first period but could only manage a 1-0 lead on Nate Shirton’s first goal of the season.
The Meteors tied it in the second period when Michael Angrilli notched his sixth goal of the season less than a minute into the frame. St. Catharines had a 11-7 shots on goal advantage in the period.
The Falcons poured it on in the third period, outshooting Fort Erie 20-6 and getting the winning goal from Nicholas Rubino with 1:13 left in the game.
“It was very fitting for 20-year-old Rubino to score the game winning goal with a minute left in the game,” Bielby said. “Something I’m sure he will take with him forever. With that being said, our goal is to create a lot more memories over the coming weeks.”
Andrew MacLean picked up the win in goal for the Falcons while Fort Erie’s Joshua Smith was handed the loss.
The Falcons (35-9-1-1) conclude the regular season on the road by playing Caledonia Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Pelham Sunday at 2:45 p.m.
The Meteors (25-21-0-1) will finish their regular season by hosting the Niagara Falls Canucks Saturday at 7:15 p.m.
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