Photos: Justin Cairns
SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Greater Sudbury Cubs goaltender Joel Rainville posted his Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League-leading sixth shutout of the season Friday as he helped blank the Soo Eagles 2-0 at Pullar Stadium.
The outcome also determined the same two sides will now meet in a NOJHL West Division semifinal match-up beginning later next week.
Ben Harris of the visiting Cubs opened the scoring near the eight-minute mark of the first period as he banged in the rebound on a jam play off a left point attempt from Cole Quevillon past Sault Ste. Marie netminder Ryan Gilmore.
It remained that way throughout the middle stanza as well as Greater Sudbury carried their narrow 1-0 edge into the second intermission.
In the third, the score stayed at that count up until the late going when the Cubs wrapped up the road win as Josh Boucher forced a turnover in the neutral zone and deposited a sailing mid-ice empty netter to round the scoring.
The game schedule for the best-of-seven affair between the Eagles and Cubs will be released by the NOJHL once it is finalized.
“Highlight of the Night” – NOJHL YouTube Channel
