In a game where neither team could get a cushion, the Toronto Jr. Canadiens Junior Canadiens escaped with a 4-2 victory over the North York Rangers.
Neither team gained more than a two-goal lead, and Nicholas Jarzabek‘s goal in the third period proved to be the difference maker.
Jarzabek had two goals and one assist to lead Toronto Jr. Canadiens. Jarzabek scored the first of his two goals at 10:19 into the third period to make the score 2-2. Aaron Spivakpicked up the assist. Jarzabek’s next tally made the score 3-2 Toronto Jr. Canadiens with 2:44 left in the third period. The Junior Canadiens had taken the advantage when North York’s Brett Seldon got sent off for hooking. Spivak assisted on the tally.
The Rangers’ power play was ineffective against Toronto Jr. Canadiens’ penalty kill, which allowed one goal while shorthanded.
The Junior Canadiens forced North York goalie Gianluca Baggetta to work between the pipes, taking 35 shots. Toronto Jr. Canadiens could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 46 minutes in penalties during the game.
Toronto Jr. Canadiens also got points from Spivak, who also registered one goal and two assists. Luca Farrace also scored for Toronto Jr. Canadiens. In addition, Toronto Jr. Canadiens received assists from Anthony Repaci, who had two and Andrew Pucci, Dakota Brancatella, and Michael Cuddemi, who each chipped in one.
The Rangers forced the Junior Canadiens’ goalies to work hard to keep the puck out of the net, firing 31 shots and forcing 29 saves. Daniel Lopapa made 14 stops and Nathan Colittomade 15.
North York was helped by Will Reilly, who racked up one goal. Reilly scored on the power play 3:12 into the second period to make the score 2-0 North York. The Rangers earned a power play opportunity when Andrew Mullen was put in the box for head contact. Ted Huntprovided the assist. North York also got a goal from Gabriel Valenzuela as well. More assists for North York came via Zachary Fung and Matthew Whittaker, who contributed one each.
Toronto Jr. Canadiens registered two goals on five power play opportunities. Gianluca Baggetta made 31 saves for North York on 34 shots. The Rangers incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with seven minors.