Milton vanquishes Wellington in shootout, 3-2 (2-1 SO)
Three periods of regulation and an overtime session were not enough to settle matters as the Milton Icehawks defeated the Wellington Dukes in a shootout 3-2 (2-1 SO).
The two teams needed six turns to complete the shootout. Wellington's shootout goal was scored by Trevor Cope. In addition to the clincher, Milton got a shootout goal from Alex Riche.
The Icehawks overcame a two-goal deficit to capture the victory. Milton trailed 2-0 after a power play goal by the Dukes' Joe McKeown at 18:36 in the second period. The Icehawks tied things up at 2-2 on a power play goal by Kane Elliot at 8:24 in the third period.
Milton pulled out the victory even though it was hit with 38 penalty minutes.
The Icehawks' offense rang up 41 shots on Wellington's net. The defense for Milton tightened up when it had players in the penalty box, as it let in one goal on 12 the Dukes power plays.
The Icehawks were helped by Shane Bennett, who registered one goal. Bennett scored on the power play 19:36 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Wellington. Milton earned a power play opportunity when Steven Deeg was put in the box for slashing. Elliot provided the assist. Milton also got points from Elliot, who also grabbed one goal and one assist. More assists for Milton came via Joseph Benvenuto, who had one and Cooper Richards, who had two.
Wellington kept the Icehawks' goalie busy throughout the game, and Ben Blacker made 51 saves on 53 shots. The Dukes could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 18 minutes in penalties during the game.
In addition, Wellington received assists from Andrew Coupland, Mike Soucier, Kyle Paat, and Maurizio Colella, who each chipped in one.
Milton registered two goals on six power play opportunities. Tyson Teichmann rejected 38 shots on goal for Wellington.
