Photos: Helene Rancourt
BLIND RIVER, Ont. – Nicholas Moore notched his first two Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League goals Saturday to help lead the Blind River Beavers to a 4-1 decision over the Soo Eagles at the Blind River Community Centre.
Forcing a turnover behind the Eagles’ net, Jesse Dupuis wheeled in front on a wraparound, but was stopped, however Moore was there to snap in the rebound on Soo starter Reid Ramsay, for his initial league effort at 8:04.
Going to the power play, the Beavers then went up by a pair at 12:08 as Moore notched another by redirecting a Caleb Minns attempt from the slot.
Getting one back before the opening intermission, Zachary Briskey drove to the net, down the right side, and managed to knock the puck in past Blind River netminder Charlie Burns.
Picking up the season’s first penalty shot, Blind River’s Ethan Pegg was awarded it as he split the Sault Ste. Marie defence and was hooked on the play, giving him the chance.
On his attempt though, Ramsay outwaited him and Pegg lost control at the top of the crease to keep the score 2-1.
Adding some insurance at 5:34 of the third, the Beavers’ Gavin Rocha picked off a clearing attempt and fired a shot on target that was stopped, but Jacob Kovacs was right there to slam in the loose puck.
Blind River’s Evan Fraccaro then capped off the home ice triumph with a late shorthanded effort to secure the victory.
Burns picked up the win while Ramsay suffered the setback in a contest where both rookie goalies were making their NOJHL debuts.
