Giannone’s hat trick secures 5-3 victory for Raiders
The Ajax-Pickering Raiders secured their first victory of the 2025 OHL Cup with a 5-3 win over the Toronto Marlboros.
Evan Giannone (1) opened the scoring early in the first period, but Robbie Dragusica (1) responded for the Marlboros, tying the game 1-1 by intermission.
The Raiders took control in the second, with Josh Lewis (1) kicking off the scoring before Giannone (2) and Jaxon Bagshaw (2) struck in quick succession.
The Marlboros pushed back in the third, as Jack Johnson (1) and Aidan Witkowski (1) each found the net to pull within one. However, Giannone (3) sealed the win with an empty-netter in the final minute, completing his hat trick and earning Player of the Game honors.
“We didn’t have the best start to the tournament, but we knew we had a chance and had to come out strong,” said Giannone. “We got four goals in the first two periods, and in the final minute, we just closed it out. It was a full team effort.”
As the Raiders prepare for their final round-robin game, Giannone is focused on keeping the momentum going. “We know what we need to do, and I know we can all do it. We just have to go in with the same mindset and play with heart.”
The Ajax-Pickering Raiders (1-2-0) aim to keep their streak alive tonight against the Ottawa Valley Titans (2-0-0) at 7 p.m. Meanwhile, the Marlboros (0-3-0) will look for their first win against the Elgin-Middlesex Canucks (1-2-0) at 3:30 p.m.
UNDER ARMOUR PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Titans – Evan Giannone (F) – 3G
Marlboros – Lucas Balanyk (F) – 1A
