Purdeller Scores, Adds Assist as Colts Beat Petes in OT
It was a rare Tuesday night at the PMC as the Petes hosted the Barrie Colts for the first and only time this season. Entering the game, the Colts sat eight points up on the Petes (with two games in hand) for the 8th and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Petes got some much needed help, as Grayden Strohack and Captain Jonathan Melee both returned to the lineup. Zach Bowen got his second straight start at the PMC after stopping 35/39 in a 4-2 loss to Erie last Thursday.
The Petes wore their Real Canadian Superstore #CHLJerseyContest winning jersey design during the game. The jerseys were designed by Hana Bates-Keegan, who took part in the pre-game ceremonial puck drop. The game jerseys are being auctioned off with all proceeds going towards President’s Choice Children’s Charity. Fans can bid on the jerseys now by clicking here.
The Petes were feeling good coming out of the gate. It was evident that Sunday’s win put an extra step in the boy’s confidence and play. After a scoreless first half, the Petes would take control. With seven minutes remaining in the period, Caden Taylor took advantage of a power play and ripped a shot past Colts goaltender Sam Hillebrandt. The goal was Taylor’s fifth in his last six games. That would be the only offence in the first, as Peterborough took their one goal lead into the break.
Barrie would battle back hard in the middle frame. Seven minutes in, Kyle Morey scored on a rebound to tie the game at 1-1. The goal would spark the Colts, who would go on to score two more goals in the period, taking a 3-1 lead into the final 20.
Despite a tough second period, the Petes refused to go away without a fight. Just three minutes into the final frame, Braydon McCallum scored a beautiful end-to-end solo effort, good enough to receive OHL Play of the Night.
McCallum with the moves 🕺#NHLDraft prospect Brayden McCallum pulls off a spectacular deke to take home tonight's #BestofOHL honours 👏@PetesOHLhockey | #MilkUPxOHL | @MilkUPOntario pic.twitter.com/VHubDbp6Pn
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) March 6, 2024
Peterborough kept pressing after the goal. Four minutes later, Tommy Purdeller tucked in a rebound to tie the game at 3-3. The goal set up a wild final two minutes. It all began on a Barrie goal to take the lead and put the pressure on late. The Petes refused to quit. With 36 seconds left in the game and Zach Bowen on the bench for the extra attacker, Jonathan Melee buried the tying goal to send the game to overtime.
CAPTAIN TO THE RESCUE https://t.co/efbFVdhr0y pic.twitter.com/kXi1EDst0D
— Peterborough Petes (@PetesOHLhockey) March 6, 2024
Unfortunately for Peterboroug, it wasn’t meant to be as Barrie scored three minutes into the extra period to win the game 5-4.
Tommy Purdeller led the way for the Petes with a goal and an assist, while Ryder McIntyre stayed hot picking up two assists. Caden Taylor scored his fifth goal in six games, as Jonathan Melee and Braydon McCallum rounded out the scoring with a goal each. Aiden Young, Grayden Strohack, and Carson Cameron each had an assist in the game. Zach Bowen stopped 36/41 in the loss.
The Petes are back in action on Thursday, March 7, when they host the Ottawa 67’s. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at the PMC. Fans can get tickets for the game by clicking here, or by visiting the Grant Thornton Box Office. The game will also be broadcasted on YourTV Peterborough and Freq 90.5.
