Hurricanes top Nationals in 10-goal thriller
The Halton Hurricanes entered the OHL Cup with lofty expectations placed on them as the fourth-ranked team in the showcase.
In their first game of the tournament, they delivered on those expectations.
The Toronto Nationals, who qualified for the tournament through the Wild Card round, came into the game hot off an upset win over the GTHL champions: the Toronto Marlboros. Holding a 2-1 lead after 15 minutes, another shock victory appeared to be on the cards.
The Hurricanes responded with full force, putting up five goals in the second period to nullify a lone goal from the Nationals. With Halton heading into the final period leading 5-3, each team would add another goal for a 6-4 final score.
Brady Smith scored a pair of goals (1, 2) consecutively in the second to shift momentum Halton’s way and was named their BARDOWN Player of the Game.
“It feels good to get some momentum going into tomorrow,” said the forward.
“We have to keep outworking the other team. If we play hard defence and keep it going here, I think we can do well in this tournament.”
Forwards Tanner Lam (1), Nolan Keeler (1), and Tyler Hopkins (1), as well as defenceman Casey Bridgewater also got on the scoresheet for the Hurricanes. Attackers Calum Mainville (3) and Ajay Ray (1) chipped in goals for the Nationals, and defenceman Thanasi Marentette scored a pair in the losing effort.
BARDOWN PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Halton – Brady Smith (F) – 2G
Nationals – Thanasi Marentette (D) – 2G
