The Toronto Jr. Canadiens Junior Canadiens tried to dig themselves out of a three-goal hole, but the North York Rangers held on for a 5-3 victory.
North York made the score 5-2 on a goal by Shawn Tessier at 11:14 in the third period, and Toronto Jr. Canadiens got as close as 5-3 when Andrew Mullen scored 17:58 into the third period.
The Junior Canadiens were unable to stop the Rangers from sending pucks towards the net, and North York eventually piled up 35 shots on goal. The Rangers’ defensemen played an important role in the offense, chipping in three goals. North York could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 20 minutes in penalties during the game.
North York additionally got points from Grayden Gottschalk, who also registered one goal and one assist. North York also got a goal from Kyle Clarke as well. More assists for North York came via Michael Morgan, who had two, Chris Sekelyk, who had three, and Ted Hunt, Fedor Rudakov, Louis Kereakou, and Christian Mitri, who contributed one each.
Toronto Jr. Canadiens forced the Rangers’ goaltenders to work hard to keep the puck out of the net, firing 38 shots and forcing 35 saves. Jeremie Lintner made 26 stops and Gianluca Baggetta made nine. The Junior Canadiens had trouble converting on the power play advantage, managing just one goal on nine chances.
Toronto Jr. Canadiens was helped by Jake Joffe, who racked up two goals. Joffe scored the first of his two goals at 14:59 into the second period to make the score 3-1 North York. Adam DeLuca picked up the assist. Joffe’s next tally made the score 4-2 North York with 9:51 left in the third period. Mullen assisted on the tally. Toronto Jr. Canadiens also got points from Mullen, who also grabbed one goal and one assist. In addition, Toronto Jr. Canadiens received assists from Sal Filice, who had two and Nicholas Ursitti and Michael Siddall, who each chipped in one.
North York registered three goals on nine power play opportunities. Brendan Bonello made 30 saves for the Junior Canadiens on 35 shots. Toronto Jr. Canadiens incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors.
