North York survives St. Michaels comeback, wins 3-2
The St. Michaels Buzzers tried to dig themselves out of a two-goal hole, but the North York Rangers held on for a 3-2 victory (The North York Rangers took game one in the latest version of the "Battle of Bathurst" - photo credit: Shawn Muir/OJHL Images).
A goal by Adam Valadao put North York up 3-1 in the second period, but St. Michaels pulled to within one on Joseph Berton's tally 2:27 into the third period.
The win gave the Rangers a 1-0 lead in the best of seven series.
North York was led by Valadao, who tallied one goal. Valadao scored 12:38 into the second period to make the score North York. Tye Campbell provided the assist.
North York also had goals scored by Liam Kerins and Brandon Gaudette, who each put in one. In addition, North York received assists from Ted Hunt, Corey Kalk, Matthew Whittaker, and John Carpino, who each chipped in one.
The Buzzers were helped by CJ Shugart, who grabbed one goal. Shugart scored on the power play 12:40 into the first period to make the score 1-1. St. Michaels earned a power play opportunity when Gabriel Valenzuela was put in the box for hooking. Jordan Schneider picked up the assist. Other players who recorded assists for St. Michaels were Thomas Beretta, Matt Alvaro, and Jake Evans, who contributed one a piece.
The Rangers' Jason Pucciarelli stopped 25 shots out of the 27 that he faced. North York incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with seven minors. George Argiropoulos made 26 saves for the Buzzers on 29 shots. St. Michaels incurred 24 minutes in penalty time with seven minors.
