Krassey collects 2 as Canadians clip Eagles

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Evan Krassey had a pair of goals, highlighted by the game-winner, as the Rayside-Balfour Canadians went on to defeat the Soo Eagles 5-2 in a Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League encounter Saturday at Pullar Stadium.

Action in the opening 20 minutes saw each side score once with Krassey getting the Canadians going offensively early on before George Orfanos put the Eagles on the board at 10:53.

Going to the power play in the second stanza, Sault Ste. Marie took the lead as Brendan Blair buried his 12th at 3:02.

However, Rayside-Balfour came back just over a minute later off the stick of Brett McGlade to tie it once more.

The guests then retook the lead during a man advantage opportunity at 7:44 with Krassey adding his second of the night and 10th overall in what turned out to be the difference maker.

Rayside-Balfour then extended their lead in the early moments of the final stanza as Kyle Liinimaa scored for the 13th time this season to move him one shy of 50 in his overall NOJHL career.

Finishing off the road win, Brady Maltais put one into n empty net just before the final horn sounded to complete the victory.

Brandon Atkins and Benjamin Hatanaka each chipped in with two assists apiece to aid the RBC cause.

David Bowen was busy in the Canadians net as his 56-save effort earned him the triumph while Shane Brancato saw 25 attempts in the setback for the Soo.

With the completion of this contest, the NOJHL now hits its holiday break with game action not set to return until January 4th in the New Year.