Bryant Scores First as a Pete in Road Loss to Flint
PHOTO: Natalie Shaver/OHL Images
After picking up their first win of the season against the reigning Memorial Cup Champion Saginaw Spirit on Thursday night, the Petes were right back at, continuing their Michigan trip with a Friday night matchup against the Flint Firebirds. Petes defencemen Grayden Strohack and Matthew Jenken were both back in Flint for the first time since being acquired from the Firebirds in separate trades. They both started the game, looking to make an instant impact against their former team. Zach Bowen was back in net for the Petes, after stopping 31/32 in Saginaw.
Just 50 seconds into the game, it looked as though the Petes had taken the lead on Grayden Strohack’s first OHL goal. After a lengthy review, the goal was called back for goaltender interference. Flint took advantage of the early break, and would use the momentum from the called back goal to take the lead for themselves. The Firebirds would end up scoring twice in the period, taking a 2-0 lead into the intermission.
After a tough first period, the Maroon and White fought back early in the second. Three minutes into the period, a Flint turnover fell to Liam Ladds, who sprung Gavin Bryant on a breakaway with a beautiful pass. Bryant made no mistake, beating Edmonton Oilers prospect Nathan Day to cut the Firebirds lead to one. The goal was Bryant’s first as a Pete, after being acquired from the Niagara IceDogs in October. Peterborough would have a couple more chances to tie the game in the period, but would not be able to beat Day as Flint took their 2-1 lead into the final frame.
The third period would see Flint go further ahead, scoring halfway through the period to take a commanding 3-1 lead. The Firebirds added an empty netter late in the game to win by a score of 4-1.
Gavin Bryant scored his first goal as a Pete, with Liam Ladds picking up the only assist on the goal. Zach Bowen stopped 22/25 in the loss.
Game Recap:
First Period:
- Flint Goal (2:36) – Jimmy Lombardi (5), Assist – Alex Kostov (6)
- Flint Goal (12:03) – Christopher Thibodeau (3), Assists – Nolan Collins (7), Evan Konyen (5)
Second Period:
- Peterborough Goal (3:20) – Gavin Bryant (1), Assist – Liam Ladds (3)
Third Period:
- Flint Goal (12:13) – Blake Smith (2), Assist – Evan Konyen (5)
- Flint Empty Net Goal (19:41) – Christopher Thibodeau (4), Unassisted
The Petes are back in action on Sunday, November 10, for the final matchup of their three game road trip as they travel to Windsor to take on the Windsor Spitfires. Puck drop is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. at the WFCU Centre. The game will be broadcasted on YourTV Peterborough and Freq 90.5.
