NEWS

The St. Michael’s Buzzers, backstopped by a 42 save performance from netminder Adrian Ignagni, eliminated the Toronto Jr. Canadiens with a 3-2 victory in game six, while the Georgetown Raiders are just one win away following a dramatic overtime win in game five.

St. Michael’s 3 vs. Toronto 2 – St. Michael’s wins series 4-2
(pictured – Netminder Adrian Ignagni – photo credit: Brian Watts/OJHL Images)
Backstopped by the February OJHL Gongshow Gear Goaltender-of-the-Month, the St. Michael’s Buzzers eliminated the Toronto Jr. Canadiens from the playoffs with a 3-2 victory in game six at Chesswood Arena.  Ignagni turned in another stellar performance, turning aside 42 Jr. Canadien shots to preserve the victory.  The Buzzers got off to a quick start as Troy Josephs and David Italiano gave them a 2-0 lead after one period of play.  The two teams traded second period goals with Joseph Santino cutting the lead in half and Jake Clements answering right back.  With their season on the line, Toronto threw everything they had at the Buzzers, firing 19 shots at Ignagni in the third period, but only game five overtime-hero Anthony Repaci could beat him.  The Buzzers now await the outcome of the final two South-West Conference series to see who they play in round #2.
For a full game summary, please CLICK HERE.

Georgetown 3 vs. Toronto Lakeshore 2 (OT) – Georgetown leads series 3-2
For the second consecutive game, the two rivals played extra time to decide the winner and the home team would continue their winning ways, as Steve Hladin scored an unassisted goal to end the game just six minutes into overtime.  After February Player-of-the-Month runner-up Jacob Bauchman gave Georgetown the early lead, Patriots captain Kyle Dutra answered back to end the first even at one.  Nick Perruccio tallied the only goal of the second period, his second of the series, to give the Raiders a lead after two, but Mike Vallescuro notched his first of the post-season in the third period to send the game to the extra frame.  Game six goes Friday, March 8 with puck drop at 8:00pm.
For a full game summary, please CLICK HERE.

North York 2 vs. Oakville 0 – North York leads series 3-2
Picked up from the Hamilton Red Wings early in the 2012-13 season, Jason Pucciarelli proved his worth in game five of this best-of-seven series, stopping all 35 Oakville shots he faced to earn a 2-0 shutout victory and leave his team just one victory away from round two of the OJHL playoffs.  Just under five minutes into the game, playoff scoring leader Corey Kalk netted his seventh of the post-season to give the Rangers an early 1-0 lead.  This lead would remain unchanged until the middle of the third, when Liam Kerins cemented the victory with a power play marker.  Not to be outdone, Evan Buitenhuis stood on his head at the other end of the ice for the Oakville Blades, stopping 39 of 41 Rangers shots.  Looking to stave off elimination, the Blades host game six on Friday night at 7:30pm.
For a full game summary, please CLICK HERE.