St. Michaels holds on for 4-3 win against North York
The St. Michaels Buzzers survived a determined comeback attempt by the North York Rangers on the way to a 4-3 win (pictured - Buzzers' netminder George Argiropoulos stops John Carpino for one of his 33 saves to keep St. Michael's in the series, down three games to one - photo credit: Shawn Muir/OJHL Images).
St. Michaels took a 3-0 lead during the second period, only to have North York storm back on a Adam Valadao goal 3:41 into the third period to pull to one goal down.
After the loss made the series score 1-3 in the best of seven series, the Rangers face elimination next time out.
CJ Shugart had a great game for the Buzzers, netting two goals. Shugart scored at 2:24 into the second period to make the score 1-0 St. Michaels and again while 9:14 into the third to make the score 4-2 St. Michaels.
St. Michaels forced North York goalie Jason Pucciarelli to work between the pipes, taking 35 shots.
Joseph Berton also scored for St. Michaels. Other players who recorded assists for St. Michaels were Peter Angelopoulos, who had two and Jordan Schneider, Thomas Beretta, Matt Pepler, and Mike Lansdowne, who contributed one a piece.
The Rangers' penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on four St. Michaels power plays. North York kept the Buzzers' goalie busy throughout the game, and George Argiropoulos made 33 saves on 36 shots.
The Rangers were led by John Carpino, who finished with two goals. Carpino scored the first of his two goals on the power play at 13:58 into the second period to make the score 3-1 St. Michaels. North York had taken the advantage when St. Michaels' Ian Edmondson got sent off for cross checking. Alex Leader provided the assist. Carpino's next tally on the power play made the score 4-3 St. Michaels with 4:46 left in the third period. Brandon Gaudette picked up the assist. In addition, North York received assists from Brody Power, Liam Kerins, Kyle Thacker, and Matthew Whittaker, who each chipped in one.
The Buzzers incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors. Pucciarelli recorded 31 saves for the Rangers. North York incurred 18 minutes in penalty time with four minors.
