NORTHERN ONTARIO JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE
NOJHL NETWORK MEDIA UPDATE
Release Date: Friday, Feb. 26, 2016
Bednarski’s hat trick paces Espanola in win over French River
ESPANOLA, Ont. – The Espanola Express rode the efforts of a quick start and a three-goal performance from Jason Bednarski to help them defeat the French River Rapids 7-1 Friday evening in Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League play at the Regional Recreation Complex.
It was all Espanola from the onset as they struck four times in the opening period to take early control of the contest.
Joel Grandbois got the Express rolling 34 seconds after the opening face-off to begin the scoring.
Espanola added to their lead at 11:53 on Mitchal Payette’s sixth of the season.
They then went up 3-0 four minutes later on Bednarski’s first of the night.
Grandbois’ second of the stanza and 19th overall extended the home side’s cushion at 17:23.
After Bednarski made 5-0 early in the second, French River got one back at 6:14 thanks to Garrett Johnston’s third of the campaign.
However Bednarski finished off his hat trick at 11:09 while teammate Tyler King connected on the power play at 16:05 with the final tally of the evening.
Ian Thompson, Riley Tilot and Cameron had two assists apiece for Espanola on the night.
Kevin Labelle made 16 stops to record the win for the Express.
Zach Mills started for the Rapids allowing four against on 24 attempts in one period of work and suffered the loss.
Alec St. Georges entered the game for French River to begin the second period and handled 25 of 28 in 40 minutes of relief.
