NORTHERN ONTARIO JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE
NOJHL MEDIA UPDATE
Release Date: Friday, Aug. 25, 2017
Cochrane slips past Timmins with preseason opening OT win
IROQUOIS FALLS, Ont. – A Josh Roberts goal 13 seconds into overtime was the difference as the Cochrane Crunch edged the Timmins Rock 6-5 Friday in the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League’s preseason opener, which was held at Jus Jordan Arena in Iroquois Falls.
Timmins got on the board first just past the five-minute mark of the contest as newcomer C.J. Bradburn beat Crunch netminder Taylor Unruh.
Cochrane got that back midway through the frame with Austin Whelan connecting during a man advantage opportunity.
The Rock regained the lead before the first period was complete however with a power play goal, courtesy of Derek Seguin.
Tallies a minute and a half apart early in the middle stanza saw the Crunch tie it, then go in front, as Kyle Podwicka and Christian Snyder both eluded Jordan Yaremchuk in the Timmins net.
After Evan Kentish-Stack struck shorthanded for the Rock at 5:39 of the period to tie it at 3-3, Austin Caza put Cochrane on top 4-3 after 40 minutes.
Heading into the third, Alex Brisson extended the Crunch cushion by two with seven left in regulation.
Battling back late, Timmins pulled to within one with 1:02 to go thanks to Shawn Sloan, then added the equalizer with 28 seconds to go to force extra time with Danny Schultz notching the tying tally.
However, Cochrane’s Roberts put an end to the contest early into OT to pull out the win.
Noah Bennett chipped in with two assists for the Crunch in the triumph, including one on the game-winner, while Bradburn dished out two helpers of his own for the Rock for a three-point night.
Shots on goal in the contest favoured Cochrane but a 44-30 count with Unruh picking up the win and Yaremchuk the OT setback.
The same two teams will meet again Sunday at 7 p.m. back at Jus Jordan Arena.
