Cobourg survives Wellington comeback, wins 4-2
The Cobourg Cougars survived a determined comeback attempt by the Wellington Dukes on the way to a 4-2 win (Cobourg's Mark MacAulay recorded two goals during a game one victory - photo credit: Andy Corneau/OJHL Images).
A goal by Liam Grande put Cobourg up 4-1 in the third period, but Wellington pulled to within two on Chad Thibodeau's tally 6:52 into the third period.
The win gave the Cougars a 1-0 lead in the best of seven series.
Mark MacAulay had two goals to lead Cobourg to victory. MacAulay found the back of the net 16:44 into the first period to make the score 2-0 Cobourg and again while short handed 14:21 into the second to make the score 3-1 Cobourg.
The Cougars kept the Dukes' goalie busy throughout the game, and Tyson Teichmann made 30 saves on 34 shots.
Cobourg also got a goal from Mason Marchment as well. Other players who recorded assists for Cobourg were Connor Armour, who had two and Rylee McKinnon, Alex D Oliveira, Ryan Logan, Connor Hogg, and Taylor Gauld, who each chipped in one.
Wellington forced Cobourg goalie Nathan Perry to work between the pipes, taking 39 shots.
The Dukes were led by Abbott Girduckis, who tallied one goal and one assist. Girduckis scored on the power play 2:51 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Cobourg. An interference penalty on Ryan OGrady had put Wellington on the power play. Mike Robinson assisted on the tally. In addition, Wellington received assists from Mike Soucier and Joe McKeown, who contributed one a piece.
The Cougars' Perry stopped 37 shots out of the 39 that he faced. Cobourg incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. The Dukes incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with two minors.
