Whitby holds off Southern Tier in opening day victory
Following a stirring win over the Central Ontario Wolves in Wild Card play, the Whitby Wildcats continued to impress in their opening matchup: a 3-1 victory over the Southern Tier Admirals.
The visiting Wildcats came out of the gates flying, with Ethan Proctor scoring just 35 seconds in to put them in pole position to win.
Easton Lynds converted Dryden Allen’s rebound to tie things up for the Admirals in the final seconds of the second period, but just a minute into the third, the Wildcats would retake the lead. Griffen Boyle rimmed the puck around for his teammates to enter the zone before burying the game-winner in the net-front scramble.
Whitby’s player of the game spoke on the importance of starting the tournament out with a win.
“It was really important,” said Boyle.
“Just to gain momentum as we go on and improve with every game. We’ve got a tough battle ahead but we can do it.”
The 6-foot forward would add an assist on Evan Elliot’s empty-net goal.
Defenceman Trent Vaillancourt was named player of the game for the Admirals, putting on a solid two-way performance.
Wildcats netminder Owen Edwards stopped 20 of the 21 shots he faced, including all 13 in the first period.
Whitby will face off with the Mississauga Senators next, with the game slated for 3:30pm. The Admirals will take the rest of the day off: their next challenge will be a 9am matchup versus the powerhouse London Jr. Knights.
BARDOWN PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Wildcats – Griffen Boyle (F) – 1G, 1A
Nationals – Trent Vaillancourt (D) – 5 SOG
