Yates’ four-point effort powers Cyclones to victory
Jack Yates (2G, 2A) led the wild card entry Upper Canada Cyclones to a 5-1 victory over the Thunder Bay Kings in their OHL Cup opener.
Cyclones defenceman Connor Dervin started the scoring in the first for the Cyclones. Mitch Smith (2) would answer back just over a minute into the second period scoring his second of the showcase.
The game remained tied till midway through the second frame when the Cyclones found their offensive touch, exploding for four goals in the second period. Maximus Crete, Yates and Finnley Panciuk found the scoresheet. Once ahead, the Cyclones never looked back, with goaltender Nicholas Periard stopping 21 of 22 shots in the win.
Yates, who received Player of the Game honours for his team, talked about the growth of his team to stick with it and find their offence, saying, “We had that big win this morning against JRC, and got off to a bit of a slow start here, but once we were able to get ahead we kept building that momentum and never looked back.”
Forward Evan Simeoni received Player of the Game honours for Thunder Bay in the loss.
Upper Canada will look to continue their winning ways as they play the Huron-Perth Lakers in the first game of the day tomorrow on Tuesday at 8:00am. Thunder Bay will play their third game of the tournament against the GTHL Finalist North York Rangers Tuesday morning at 11:45am.
Zephyr Player of the Game
Upper Canada – Jack Yates (F) – 2G, 2A
Thunder Bay – Evan Simeoni (F)
