NORTHERN ONTARIO JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE
NOJHL NETWORK MEDIA UPDATE
Release Date: Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017
Eagles edge Beavers 3-2 in 2017 NOJHL opener
BLIND RIVER, Ont. – A William Casey goal 16:49 into the second period proved to be the game-winner as the Soo Eagles went on to edge the Blind River Beavers 3-2 Wednesday night to commence the 2017 portion of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League’s regular season schedule at the Blind River Community Centre.
Action began with Adam Ostrowski putting Sault Ste. Marie in front just past the five-minute mark of the contest.
The Eagles then went up by a pair midway through the opening session as Jacob Palmerio collected his 15th of the season at 9:58.
Blind River got one back before the first period was complete thanks to Dylan McMahon, who finished off the work of Steven Khull and Yianni Liarakos.
Casey’s 10th of the campaign restored the visitors’ two-tally cushion with the lone marker of the middle stanza.
Antony Pullicino pulled the home side back to within one with 13:15 remaining in regulation, but Eagles’ goaltender Justyn Gillis shut the door the rest of the way making 20 saves in the third and 48 overall to earn a well-deserved victory.
Bradley Hofelich dished out two assists for the Soo, including one on the difference maker.
Myles Hektor faced 34 shots in defeat for the Beavers.
With the result the Eagles moved back to .500 in the NOJHL standings improving to 18-18-2-0 overall while Blind River slipped to 20-15-1-0.
