Wild Card entry Nationals shock GTHL champion Marlboros to open OHL Cup
The Wild Card entry Toronto Nationals got the 2023 OHL Cup started with a bang, shocking the GTHL champion Toronto Marlboros in a 4-2 decision to open the annual showcase Wednesday morning.
The Nats, who skated to a commanding 8-0 win over the Ajax-Pickering Raiders on Tuesday night, would score a pair of short-handed goals, besting the Marlies to start the day’s action.
With a strong offensive performance, the Nats pulled out to an early lead with goals from Chase Del Colombo (1) and Callum Mainville (1, 2). Mainville would find the back of the net for a second time before Matthew Sarabando (1) finished the job.
“We deserve to be here. We came off a strong performance yesterday and carried that same momentum into today”, said Mainville.
“I felt great out there, everyone played their hearts out. It was an awesome game for our goaltender which really helped everyone come together as one.”
Earning BARDOWN Player of the Game honours, James Meredith remained solid in the crease for the Nats, stopping 23 of the 25 shots he faced.
Aidan Lane (1) took home the honours for the Marlies, scoring one of his teams’ two markers.
The Marlboros are back at it this evening when they face the Huron Perth Lakers at 7:30pm. The Nationals prepare to face the Halton Hurricanes at 5:45pm.
BARDOWN PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Marlboros – Aidan Lane (F) – 1G
Nationals – James Meredith (G) – 23 SV
