Robertson Has Two Helpers, Simpson Stops 32 in Return as Petes Fall to Storm
On Sunday, February 12, the Petes hosted the Guelph Storm for the first time since 2019 in a matinee matchup at the PMC. It was the second meeting between the two teams, with the Storm securing a 6-4 comeback win in Guelph on January 20. The Petes were looking to wrap up a busy week with a win that would give them a 2-1 record over three games in the last four days. Michael Simpson returned to the Petes lineup, after Liam Sztuska started back to back games on Thursday and Saturday.
It was a tough start for the Maroon and White, as just a minute into the game Valentin Zhugin would capitalize on a turnover to give Guelph an early 1-0 lead. The Petes would settle down and start to take over after that. Half way through the frame, Brian Zanetti found himself at the Guelph hash marks and tipped a Connor Lockhart shot past Patrick Leaver to tie the game up at 1-1. Seven minutes later, Guelph would take the lead again after a Ben McFarlane shot from the circle beat Michael Simpson on the blocker side. Eager to not go into the second down a goal, the Petes got some good fortune, getting a powerplay late in the period. On the powerplay, Avery Hayes ripped home his 36th goal of the season to tie the game at 2-2 heading into the break. Peterborough led in shots in the first period, 20-13.
The Petes came out strong in the second, looking to take the lead. They did just that two minutes in, on the powerplay, when J.R. Avon sent a beautiful cross-ice pass to Brennan Othmann who buried it to make it 3-2 Petes. Guelph wouldn’t go away that easy. Five minutes later, Charlie Paquette scored for the Storm to tie the game up. They wouldn’t be done there. With four minutes left in the period, Max Namestnikov scored on the powerplay to give the Storm the 4-3 lead heading into the second intermission. Peterborough still led in shots 31-27 after two.
The Petes would press hard in the third, but would be unable to beat Patrick Leaver to find the game tying goal. Guelph would add an empty netter to secure the victory by a score of 5-3.
Tucker Robertson led the way for the Petes with two assists on the night. Brian Zanetti, Avery Hayes, and Brennan Othmann score for the Petes, while Connor Lockhart, Jonathan Melee, Owen Beck, and J.R. Avon all picked up an assist. Michael Simpson stopped 32/36 in the loss.
The Petes are back in action on Thursday night when they host the Ottawa 67’s at the PMC. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05PM. You can purchase tickets by clicking here, or by contacting the PMC Grant Thornton Box Office in person or at (705) 743-3561.
