Mayer Scores Two as Petes Fall to Battalion at Home
The Peterborough Petes were back in action on Saturday, December 2, as they hosted the North Bay Battalion at the PMC. The Petes looked to take a 2-0 series lead as they faced the Battalion for the second time this season. Owen Beck and Donovan McCoy suited up for their 150th games, while the newest acquisition, Ryder McIntyre, debuted with the Petes after being acquired on Friday afternoon. Zach Bowen got the start in net for the Petes, looking for his 7th win of the season in front of a sold-out home crowd.
As the puck dropped to start the game, The Battalion were the first to strike, scoring just 1:05 into the first period. North Bay would find two more in the opening five minutes to take an early 3-0 lead. Sam Mayer would try to spark the Petes with a bounce-back goal, but the Battalion didn’t let up. North Bay added another two goals as the period ended 6-1.
Now looking for their second 5-goal comeback of the season, the Petes came out of the dressing room looking to take control. After a back-and-forth start to the period, Sam Mayer would find the back of the net again as he buried a rebound off the back boards to start the comeback attempt. The Petes continued to add pressure as the end of the period neared. After knocking down an attempted clear by the Battalion, Owen Beck would get the puck back and, with one minute remaining, bring the Petes back to within three, as the period ended with North Bay up 6-3.
Hopes of a comeback were short-lived as the Battalion would increase their lead minutes into the third period. Owen Van Steelson’s goal would be the period’s only goal, as the Battalion won the game 7-3.
Sam Mayer led the way for the Petes with two goals, while Owen Beck also scored. Jonathan Melee, Jax Dubois, Braydon McCallum and Sam McCue picked up an assist each. Liam Sztuska stopped 25/26 in relief.
The Petes are back in action Sunday, December 3, when they travel Niagara to face the IceDogs. Puck drop is scheduled for 2:00 p.m at the Meridian Centre. Fans can catch the game at the Official Road Game Watch Party at Shoeless Joe’s Peterborough. The game will also be broadcasted on YourTV Peterborough and Freq 90.5.
