FRENCH RIVER – The Kirkland Lake Gold Miners broke open a hard-fought tie game with three unanswered third period goals that helped them skate to a 4-1 victory over the French River Rapids in a Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League match-up Saturday at Noelville Arena.
A late power play in the opening frame helped Kirkland Lake strike first as Max Newnam finished off a Quinn Schneidmiller feed at 16:37.
It stayed that way until James Eng struck shorthanded for French River nearly 15 minutes into the second session as he collected his initial NOJHL tally.
Coming out quickly to commence the third, the Gold Miners’ Cameron Neaylon connected 61 seconds into the stanza to give the guests the lead once more in what proved to be the game-winner.
Then Connor Van Weelie added some insurance midway through the session to extend the cushion before A.J. Campbell iced it with an empty netter in the final minute to help secure the road decision.
Shots on goal on night favoured Kirkland Lake by a 52-24 margin with Kyle McNair picking up the win and Sebastien Woods making 48 stops in defeat.
Game Photos courtesy of Dal Photography
