In a game where neither team could get a cushion, the North York Rangers escaped with a 4-2 victory over the Pickering Panthers.
North York gained the winning advantage on a goal by Grayden Gottschalk 18:52 into the second period and hung on until final buzzer.
The Rangers were sparked by Keegan Blasby, who had one goal. Blasby scored 19:10 into the second period to make the score 3-1 North York. Ted Hunt provided the assist.
Pickering was unable to stop North York from sending pucks towards the net, and the Rangers eventually piled up 35 shots on goal.
Others who scored for North York included Michael Morgan and Louis Kereakou, who scored one goal each. More assists for North York came via Jacob DeMaeyer, who had two and Tyler Currie, Adam Giacomin, and Nick Zanette, who each chipped in one.
The Panthers’ penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on seven North York power plays. Pickering’s offense rang up 31 shots on North York’s net. The Panthers could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 36 minutes in penalties during the game.
Pickering was helped by Tiger McDonald, who racked up one goal and one assist. McDonald scored 2:49 into the third period to make the score 3-2 North York. Robert Clarkassisted on the tally. Pickering additionally got points from Clark, who also tallied one goal and one assist. In addition, Pickering received assists from Mackenzie Heber and John Hudgin, who contributed one each.
Gianluca Baggetta rejected 29 shots on goal for the Rangers. North York incurred 16 minutes in penalty time with three minors. Troy Paquette recorded 31 saves for the Panthers. Pickering registered one goal on two power play opportunities. For the Panthers, Doug Carter was ejected from the game.
