Article by I. Schoonderbeek/Media by C. Archer
The Clarington Eagles clawed their way back from a third-period deficit to defeat the Georgina Ice 5-4 in overtime Friday at Georgina Ice Palace.
The Eagles scored twice in the first seven minutes to jump out to an early 2-0 lead.
Kolby Poulin scored his ninth of the season just over three minutes into the game from Brady Darrach and Dawson Manning. Manning netted one of his own, his eighth of the season, from Poulin and Jake Dupuis three minutes later.
Georgina answered back before the period was up to narrow the gap to 2-1 going into the first intermission.
Things did not go the Eagles’ way in the second period. Georgina took advantage of two powerplay opportunities to jump out to a 3-2 lead.
Ryan Hall evened the score with his fourth of the season from Owen Manarin and Jordan Shaw. But the Ice scored again in the last minute of the period to carry a 4-3 lead into the third.
Nate Stirling scored his team-leading 13th goal of the season on the powerplay with just over six minutes to play in the third on an assist from Manning and Hall, to force a seven-minute overtime period.
Owen Manarin was the overtime hero. He scored his fifth goal of the season from Shaw and Hayes Bell two minutes into the extra frame to secure the two points. “Potting the game-winner is a great feeling,” said the second-year forward. “Being able to aid in another win for the team is always rewarding.”
GWG! pic.twitter.com/O9t6sqQxKw
— Clarington Eagles (@EaglesPJHL) December 10, 2022
“Manarin and Poulin played really well tonight,” said head coach Dean Baumhauer. “We showed some character as a team coming back from 3-2 and 4-3.”
Carter Watson stopped all 20 shots he faced after taking over from Marc-Olivier Robert to start the third period for his fourth win of the season. It was the young goaltender’s first game action since being injured in Little Britain on October 22. “It’s been six weeks now I’ve been sidelined and watching the boys battle,” said Watson. “I was happy to go in and give Frenchie (Robert) a break after how amazing he’s been playing. It’s nice to get back in and help the boys get the two points. I felt good out there.”
The win elevated Clarington back into a first-place tie with the Uxbridge Bruins atop the Orr division standings.
The Eagles are back in action for a rare Sunday evening home game when they host the Lakefield Chiefs. Game time is 7:25 p.m.
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