NORTHERN ONTARIO JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE
NOJHL MEDIA UPDATE
Release Date: Monday, March 16, 2015
Wildcats back in it with 1st playoff win
ELLIOT LAKE – Needing a win to get back into their playoff series against the Sudbury Nickel Barons, the Elliot Lake Wildcats did just that in a big way as they rolled to their first playoff victory in franchise history Monday thumping their opponents 8-0 in Game 3 of the best-of-seven West Division semifinal held at Centennial Arena.
With the triumph, Elliot Lake now trails the series 2-1 heading into Game 4 Wednesday at McClelland Arena in Copper Cliff at 7:30 p.m.
The Wildcats got off to a good start going up by a pair after one period of play on power play markers by Adam Baxter and Cole Hepler.
Elliot Lake then blew it open in the middle session erupting for six more tallies to take total control of the contest.
After Hepler added his second of the evening at the five-minute mark of the frame, they cashed in five more in a span of five and half minutes on efforts supplied by Jason Wilson, Liam Blais, Spencer MacLean, Baxter again and finally affiliate Devyn Martel during a late man advantage opportunity.
Neither side would score in the third as the game came to a close.
Connor Scott chipped in with three assists to aid Elliot Lake offensively.
A.J. Smith was called upon to make 41 saves to pick-up the initial postseason shutout for the Wildcats.
Jessie Morin was in net for Sudbury the first two periods and suffered the defeat facing 31 attempts.
Nickel Barons affiliate Connor Blunt had a spotless final frame turning aside all nine attempts he faced in relief.
West semifinal 2
No. 2 Elliot Lake Wildcats vs. No. 3 Sudbury Nickel Barons
Nickel Barons lead best-of-seven series 2-1
Game 1: Sudbury 4 Elliot Lake 1
Game 2: Sudbury 5 Elliot Lake 2
Game 3: Elliot Lake 8 Sudbury 0
Game 4: Wednesday, March 18 @ Sudbury 7:30 p.m. (McClelland)
Game 5: Saturday, March 21 @ Elliot Lake 7:30 p.m. (Centennial)
Game 6*: Sunday, March 22 @ Sudbury 7:30 p.m. (McClelland)
Game 7*: Tuesday, March 24 @ Elliot Lake 7:30 p.m. (Centennial)
*-if necessary
