Melee Scores Twice in 200th Game as Petes Fall 4-3 in Brantford

PHOTO: Logan Taylor/Brantford Bulldogs

 

After an exhilarating 3-2 overtime win over the Sarnia Sting during Thursday’s Teddy Bear Toss game, the Peterborough Petes were right back at it, heading to Brantford for a Friday night battle with the Bulldogs. The Petes were looking for their third win in a row, after picking up two straight overtime wins during the week against the Sting and Niagara IceDogs. It was a milestone night for Petes captain Jonathan Melee, who was playing in his 200th OHL game in Brantford. Masen Johnston was between the pipes for the Petes for the first time since stopping 35/38 in Ottawa last Friday.

 

It would be Peterborough who would strike first 9:52 into the opening frame. After Aiden Young forced a turnover, he sent a cross-crease pass to Melee, who buried on his second opportunity to make it 1-0 Petes. Masen Johnston was the star of the period, stopping all 16 Brantford shots to hold the lead heading into the break.

 

Brantford would get on the board seven minutes into the second, before taking the lead three minutes later on goals by Chicago Blackhawks first round pick Marek Vanacker and Jake O’Brien. The lead would only stand for 1:50, as Jonathan Melee made a beautiful move for his second of the game, tying it at 2-2. Late in the period, Montreal Canadiens prospect Owen Protz beat Masen Johnston to once again give Brantford a one goal lead heading into the final frame.

 

Just over seven minutes into the third, Peterborough would draw even once again on a goal by Caden Taylor. The goal was Taylor’s second in two games after scoring the overtime winner the night before. The game would only stay tied for just over a minute, as a Protz slap shot took a deflection past Johnston, giving Brantford the lead for the final time. As the buzzer sounded, the Bulldogs won the game by a score of 4-3.

 

Jonathan Melee led the way for the Petes, scoring twice in his 200th OHL game. Caden Taylor scored his second goal in two games, while Aiden Young, Quinton Pagé, Grayden Strohack, and Ryder McIntyre all picked up an assist. Masen Johnston stopped 34/38 in the loss.

 

Game Recap:

 

First Period:

 

• Peterborough Goal (9:52) – Jonathan Melee (7), Assist – Aiden Young (6)

 

Second Period:

 

• Brantford Goal (7:13) – Marek Vanacker (2), Assist – Joshua Avery (6)
• Brantford Goal (10:07) – Jake O’Brien (13), Assists – Zakary Lavoie (11), Marek Vanacker (1)
• Peterborough Goal (11:54) – Jonathan Melee (8), Assist – Quinton Pagé (4)
• Brantford Goal (17:36) – Owen Protz (3), Assists – Joshua Avery (7), Nikolas Rossetto (5)

 

Third Period:

 

• Peterborough Goal (7:34) – Caden Taylor (6), Assists – Grayden Strohack (5), Ryder McIntyre (4)
• Brantford Goal (8:56) – Owen Protz (4), Assists – Zakary Lavoie (12), Lucas Moore (6)

 

The Petes are back in action on Sunday, December 8, when they host the Guelph Storm. Puck drop is scheduled for 2:05 p.m. at the PMC. Tickets for the game are still available by clicking here, calling (705) 743-3561, or by visiting the Grant Thornton Box Office during business hours. The game will also be broadcasted on YourTV Peterborough and Freq 90.5.