Eagles Take 2-1 Series Lead

Both teams entered the opponent’s arena and walked away with a road victory. Here is how the action unfolded:

1st Period

The first big opportunity went to the Ice on a 2-on-1 featuring McKenzie and Cerqua. It was a perfect setup, but the backhand went wide. Both teams had power play chances that were cut short by neutralizing penalties. Eventually, Georgina took back-to-back penalties, giving the Eagles a 5-on-3 advantage. Ben Stycuk struck first, burying a rebound in front of the net. Shortly after the second penalty expired, the Eagles kept the momentum going as Christian Sokuljuk converted for his first goal of the playoffs, giving the Eagles a two-goal lead heading into the second.

2nd Period

Four minutes into the frame, the Ice finally converted on a power play, sliding the puck past Nate Gillis just before the net came off; Paulmert was credited with the goal. The Eagles responded in a big way: an unassisted goal was followed by a power play marker from Gianluca Meli, with assists going to Brayden Hicks and Blake Peters Davey, making it 4–1 for the Eagles. Georgina managed to claw one back as Seth Kirou found the back of the net, but just like the end of the first, the Eagles maintained a two-goal cushion.

3rd Period

The Eagles put on a defensive clinic in the third, protecting their lead by chipping pucks out and killing time off the clock. The Ice pulled Aiden Lindsay to try and inch closer, but Christian Sokuljuk found the empty net for his second of the game. Late in the period, the Eagles were penalized for knocking the net off, resulting in a penalty shot for the Ice. Sebastian Ferris made no mistake, firing it past Gillis to make it 5–3. However, another empty-netter by Brayden Hicks sealed the deal. The Eagles won 6–3 and retook the series lead, 2–1.

Game 4 returns to the GBRC in Clarington. Come out and make some noise for your Clarington Eagles—pack the barn!

Come fly with your Clarington Eagles!

— Mike Jackman