In a game where neither team could get a cushion, the North York Rangers escaped with a 5-3 victory over the Burlington Cougars.
North York gained the winning advantage on a goal by Ryan Takamatsu 16:47 into the third period and hung on until final buzzer.
Takamatsu had two goals to lead the Rangers to victory.
North York kept Burlington’s goalie busy throughout the game, and Andrew Lee made 30 saves on 35 shots. The Rangers were ineffective while on the power play, as they were held to two goals off of nine man advantages.
North York also got points from Louis Kereakou, who also grabbed one goal and one assist, Nick Zanette, who also racked up one goal and one assist, and Nick Campoli, who also registered one goal and one assist. Other players who recorded assists for North York were Keegan Blasby, who had two and Kyle Clarke, Joshua Dame, Grayden Gottschalk, and Jake Harris, who each chipped in one.
The Cougars’ penalty killing units received substantial work throughout the game as Burlington finished with 20 penalty minutes.
The Cougars were helped by Ben Morris, who finished with two goals. Morris scored the first of his two goals on the power play at 14:40 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Burlington had gained a power play chance when Walker Hincenbergs was whistled for interference. Nathan Gomes provided the assist. Morris’ next tally on the power play made the score 3-3 with 9:01 left in the third period. Jordan Peacock assisted on the tally. Burlington additionally got points from Peacock, who also grabbed one goal and one assist. More assists for Burlington came via Willy Paul, Nicholas Holt, Mike Faliero, and Jack Jeffers, who contributed one each.
Tyler Szczepaniak made 25 saves for North York on 28 shots. The Rangers incurred 22 minutes in penalty time with six minors. For North York, Harris was ejected from the game. The Cougars registered two goals on four power play opportunities.
