NEWS

(pictured - Erick Delaurentis and Brian Bunnett of the Wellington Dukes squeeze Doug Bonar of the Toronto Lakeshore Patriots during a 5-3 victory for the Dudley Hewitt Cup host in the final game of the round-robin - photo credit: Shawn Muir/OJHL Images)

In a game where neither team could get a cushion, the Wellington Dukes escaped with a 5-3 victory over Toronto Lakeshore. 

No lead was more than two goals during the contest, and the winning goal was scored by Steven Deeg at 14:23 of the third period. 

Wellington was paced by Deeg, who grabbed one goal. 

The Dukes' penalty box was a popular destination as the team totaled six minors and one major for 27 minutes in penalty time. Wellington surpassed its season average of 19.0 penalty minutes per game. 

Wellington additionally got points from Mike Robinson, who also racked up one goal and one assist and Erick Delaurentis, who also tallied one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Others who scored for Wellington included Chad Thibodeau and Trevor Abbot, who each put in one. In addition, Wellington received assists from Andrew Coupland, Andrew McCann, Joe McKeown, and Brian Bunnett, who each chipped in one. 

Toronto Lakeshore kept the Dukes' goalie busy throughout the game, and Tyson Teichmann made 33 saves on 36 shots. Toronto Lakeshore's defense let in more goals than it usually has this year. Toronto Lakeshore averages 2.3 goals allowed per game. Toronto Lakeshore was ineffective while on the power play, as it was held to two goals off of 11 man advantages. 

Toronto Lakeshore was helped by Michael Prapavessis, who registered one goal. Prapavessis scored on the power play 4:50 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Toronto Lakeshore. A controversial charging penalty on McKeown had put Toronto Lakeshore on the power play and saw the talented Dukes forward receive a game misconduct as well. Niko Kovachis picked up the assist. Toronto Lakeshore also got points from Marcus Rose, who also had one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Jacob Hayhurst also scored for Toronto Lakeshore. More assists for Toronto Lakeshore came via Brandon Willett, Luke Carter, Nathan Feric, and Robert Powers, who contributed one each. 

Wellington registered zero goals on two power play opportunities. The Dukes ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and McKeown was ejected from the game. Toronto Lakeshore's Evan Buitenhuis stopped 24 shots out of the 29 that he faced. Toronto Lakeshore incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors.

For a full game summary, please CLICK HERE.

Steven Deeg was the Player of the Game for Wellington, while Luke Carter received the award for the Patriots.

The Dukes will now play for the Dudley Hewitt Cup title on Saturday night and await the winner of Friday night's semi-final between the SIJHL Champion Fort Frances Lakers and the OJHL Champion Toronto Lakeshore Patriots.  Game time on Friday night is 7:30pm.