Huge game by Grande boosts Cobourg over Wellington, 7-0
Liam Grande was all over the ice for the Cobourg Cougars, as he tallied two goals and two assists in Cobourg's 7-0 win over the Wellington Dukes.
Grande scored at 8:40 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Cobourg and again while 18:35 into the first to make the score 2-0 Cobourg.
The Cougars were boosted by Stefano Durante, who turned in a shutout with 38 saves. Durante managed to improve on his goals against average, which stood at 1.76 prior to the game.
Referees had their hands full with a major incident at 17:55 into the second period. Four fighting penalties were dished out along with two game misconducts.
Cobourg was often in penalty trouble, totaling seven minors and one major for 29 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 14.0 minutes per game the Cougars had been spending in the box. Cobourg's penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on eight Wellington power plays. The Cougars' defensive effort looked to be improved. Cobourg averages 2.5 goals allowed per game. Wellington was unable to stop the Cougars from sending pucks towards the net, and Cobourg eventually piled up 36 shots on goal. The Cougars found the back of the net more times than it usually has this season. Cobourg has scored at the pace of 3.4 goals per game during the current campaign.
Cobourg also got points from Mitchell Gibson, who also registered one goal and one assist and Connor Armour, who also racked up two goals and one assist. Cobourg also had goals scored by Matt Carroll and Alex Riche, who each put in one. More assists for Cobourg came via Riley Stillman, who had two, Connor Hogg, who had four, and Rylee McKinnon, Ryan OGrady, and Jake Baird, who each chipped in one.
The Dukes were held below their usual level of production. Wellington puts an average of 3.3 pucks into the net per game. The Dukes' offense rang up 38 shots on the Cougars' net. Penalties took their toll on Wellington, as its penalty kill unit let in two power play goals.
For Cobourg, Austin Veleke was ejected from the game. Olivier Lafreniere rejected 29 shots on goal for the Dukes. Wellington ended with 15 minutes in penalty time with five minors and one major. The Dukes ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Joe McKeown was ejected from the game.
