NEWS

(pictured - Rangers netminder Jason Pucciarelli stopped 28 shots to earn the win & 1st Star honours in game one - photo credit: Amy Deroche/OJHL Images)
OJHL playoff leading scorer Corey Kalk continued to roll, notching one goal and one assist to lead the North York Rangers to an opening game 3-2 victory over the St. Michael’s Buzzers in game one of the South-West Conference Championship series.

Kalk assisted on linemate John Carpino’s goal midway through the second frame, which would prove to be the game-winner as netminder Jason Pucciarelli held the fort the rest of the game , earning 1st Star honours with a 28 save performance.

Liam Kerins opened the scoring for the Rangers, just 1:16 into the game after getting hauled down to earn a penalty shot and he made no mistake beating Buzzers netminder Adrian Ignagni.  Carpino made it 2-0 for the visitors and then rookie Jake Evans cut the lead in half with just 15 seconds remaining in a fast-paced first period of play.

Early in the second period, Michael Neville knotted the game at two, before Carpino and Kalk teamed up once again on the game winner.

Final shots in the game were 31-30 in favour of North York, and along with Pucciarelli, Carpino and Neville were named the 2nd and 3rd Stars respectively.

Game two in the best-of-seven affair takes place on Thursday night at the Herb Carnegie Arena with puck drop at 8:30pm.

For a full game summary, please CLICK HERE.

South-West Conference Championship

Game One          North York 3 @ St. Michael’s 2   (North York leads series 1-0)
Game Two          St. Michael’s @ North York          Mar. 28, 8:30pm
Game Three       North York @ St. Michael’s          Mar. 30, 4:00pm
Game Four         St. Michael’s @ North York          Apr. 2, 7:30pm
Game Five          North York @ St. Michael’s          Apr. 3, 7:30pm (if necessary)
Game Six             St. Michael’s @ North York          Apr. 5, 7:00pm (if necessary)
Game Seven      North York @ St. Michael’s          Apr. 7, 7:00pm (if necessary)