Rai’s hat trick pushes Nationals into OHL Cup Showcase
The GTHL’s Toronto Nationals topped the OMHA’s Ajax-Pickering Raiders 8-0 in a Wild Card play-in clash to advance to the 2023 OHL Cup.
In a dominant offensive performance, Ajay Rai netted a natural hat trick while Chase Del Colombo, Austin Punchard, Marcus Colebrook, Callum Mainville and Kyle Wiesblatt each found the back of the net for the Nationals. Luca Pergola remained perfect in the crease, backstopping his club to victory making 14 saves.
Ajay Rai talked about his teams’ performance saying, “I think we played really well as a team. We forechecked hard and I think that led to a lot of our success tonight.”
The Nationals outshot the Raiders 21-14.
After the victory, the Nationals are placed in a competitive Nash Division which features the Toronto Marlboros, Halton Hurricanes, Huron Perth Lakers, and TPH Hockey.
BARDOWN PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Nationals – Ajay Rai (F) – 3G, 1A
Ajax-Pickering – Gianluca Meli (F)
