Long provides OT winner as Elliot Lake sinks Blind River

NORTHERN ONTARIO JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE

NOJHL NETWORK MEDIA UPDATE

Release Date: Friday, Feb. 24, 2017

Long provides OT winner as Elliot Lake sinks Blind River

ELLIOT LAKE, Ont. – A Nick Long power play goal 29 seconds into overtime was the game-winner as the Elliot Lake Wildcats held on to get by the Blind River Beavers 4-3 in a Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League encounter Friday at Centennial Arena.

Dylan McMahon’s 15th of the season helped Blind River start strong as he notched his 15th of the season 23 seconds into the contest as he scored for a fifth consecutive game for the Beavers.

Elliot Lake drew level five and a half minutes later however on a David Elford effort while teammate Evan Spencer put the home side in front at 11:22.

The Wildcats then went up 3-1 by picking up the lone marker of the middle session when Curtis Rawn collected his 10th at 12:53.

Battling back, Blind River struck twice in the third to force OT.

Max Khull made it 3-2 six and a half minutes into the frame before Caleb Serre notched the equalizer with 5:04 left in regulation.

However a power play at the end of the third allowed Elliot Lake to go up a man to begin extra time and they took full advantage of the opportunity with Long beating Blind River netminder Myles Hektor early to win it.

Brett Crook and team captain Troy Button both dished out two assists in aid in the Wildcats victory.

Matt Kostiw also turned in a solid effort between the pipes for Elliot Lake making 38 stops along the way to register the win.

Hektor faced 24 shots in a losing cause for the Beavers.