ESPANOLA, Ont. – Soo Eagles netminder Ryan Gilmore made 36 saves to post the shutout in a 2-0 triumph over the Espanola Express Friday in Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League play at the Regional Recreation Complex.
Picking up a power play midway through the first frame, Sault Ste. Marie’s Seth Ferguson came out from the end boards and jammed in a second chance on a chance from close range to collect what proved to be the game-winner.
Neither side would connect in a scoreless middle session as the Soo carried the narrow edge to the second intermission.
It stayed 1-0 for the Eagles until the latter stages of regulation when Brian Fiddes won a race to the puck, got it over to Charlie Salem who sent a cross-ice feed over to Nicholas Castillo, who quickly whipped in his fourth of the season at 17:10 to supply some insurance.
The shutout for Gilmore was his second in his past three starts as he also picked up a win in his fifth straight appearance.
Patrick Boivin faced 41 shots against in defeat for Espanola.
