FRENCH RIVER – The French River Rapids rode the strength of a three-goal second period to help send them on their way to an eventual 5-1 victory over the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners in Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League play Saturday at Noelville Arena.
French River got going offensively 4:22 into the contest as Ryan Smith scored early.
It was more Rapids deep into the opening frame when Reid Manning clicked on the power play to help his side take a two-goal lead into the intermission.
In the second session, the home side erupted for their trio of tallies in a span under two and a half minutes to break things open.
Jack Tos started the outburst and11:37 before teammates James Eng and Will Frustaglio also found the back of the net in short order to put French River up by five after two.
Kirkland Lake finally solved French River starter Sebastian Woods midway through the third as the Rapids allowed their first goal against in 140 minutes and 43 seconds of game action on a Robert McLaughlin effort.
However, the hosts shut the door from there to register the win.
Brandon Haas added a pair of assists in the triumph.
Woods finished with 35 stops to pick up the decision.
Kyle McNair started for the Gold Miners and suffered the loss allowing two against on 12 chances before giving way to Kohl Reddy, who handled 19 of 22 in nearly 43 minutes of relief.
