Harmon’s double-OT winner secures Petes a spot in Semi-Final
The Peterborough Petes are the third team to advance to the OHL Semi-Finals, knocking out the GTHL’s Toronto Nationals in an action-packed 3-2 double overtime victory.
After scoring the overtime winner to crown the Peterborough Petes OMHA ETA champions, and finding the back of the net in triple-OT to give Peterborough red hats as OMHA champions against the Southern Tier Admirals last week, Kaiden Harmon has another game winning puck to add to his growing collection.
Harmon banged in a rebound in the slot 1:59 into the second overtime period, pushing the Petes into the OHL Cup final four.
The wild card entry Toronto Nationals got off to a strong start, with Matthew Sarabando (4) netting an early first period marker, but the Petes would respond with goals from Harmon (2) and Josh Avery (4) to take the lead.
Down 2-1 heading into the third, Friday’s overtime hero Kieran Riley (2) would find the back of the net for the Nats to send the game into overtime.
Harmon (3) would be Peterborough’s overtime hero for the third time this season as his double overtime marker would punch the Petes’ ticket to the Semi-Finals.
Harmon spoke on scoring the double OT winner saying, “It feels amazing, I couldn’t have done it without the boys. I took a penalty which made me a little nervous, but right out of the box I got out there and put it in for the team.”
Harmon’s two goals earned him Player of the Game for Peterborough, while Nationals forward Callum Mainville earned the honours for the Nats.
The Nationals are eliminated, playing to a tournament record of 3-2-0 after entering the showcase as a wild card play-in. They were led offensively by Mainville (4-5–9), while Ajay Rai (2-5–7) was also a big contributor.
The Petes prepare to face the Vaughan Kings in semi-final action tonight at 8:00pm.
BARDOWN PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Peterborough – Kaiden Harmon (F) – 2G
Toronto – Callum Mainville (F) – 1A
