SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – A Tomas Yachmenov tally with 1:14 remaining was the difference as the red-hot Powassan Voodoos pulled out a narrow 2-1 triumph over the Blind River Beavers for their 10th straight Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League win in succession during the NOJHL Showcase taking place at Big Bear Arena.
This match-up between two of the top clubs in the league standings was tightly contested throughout with the game’s opening goal not coming until late in the second stanza when the NOJHL’s leading point-getter, Caleb Serre, putting Blind River on the board.
Battling back, Powassan drew level midway through the third period on a Noah Brant marker.
Then with overtime looming, Yachmenev proved to be the hero as his late offensive effort pulled out the win as the Voodoos winning streak reached double digits.
Owen Say in the Powassan net finished with 18 saves in registering the victory as he improved to 9-0 on the season.
Beavers’ netminder Jackson Hjelle was busy facing 46 attempts in the narrow setback.