Alliston holds on for 4-2 win against Fergus
The Fergus Devils tried their best to erase a three-goal deficit, but the Alliston Hornets would not be denied the victory and hung on to win, 4-2.
Alliston made the score 4-1 on a goal by Andrew Ceolin at 18:01 in the second period, and Fergus got as close as 4-2 when Griffin Heitshu scored 12:02 into the third period.
The win gave the Hornets a 2-0 lead in the best of seven series.
The Devils' power play was ineffective against Alliston's penalty kill, which allowed zero goals while shorthanded.
The Hornets put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow Fergus to score on any of its nine power plays. Alliston forced the Devils goalie Alex Elliott to work between the pipes, taking 41 shots.
The Hornets were led by Steve Griggs, who finished with one goal and one assist. Griggs scored on the power play 15:52 into the second period to make the score 3-1 Alliston. A hooking penalty on Heitshu had put Alliston on the power play. Nic Archibald picked up the assist. Alliston also had goals scored by Joe Cochrane and Tanner Dockerty, who scored one goal each. In addition, Alliston received assists from Mark ODonnell, who had two and Connor Annett and Jacob Tuck, who each chipped in one.
Fergus was led by Paolo Chemello, who racked up one goal and one assist. Chemello scored 11:54 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Alliston. Mikael Ruffini assisted on the tally.
TJ Sherwood recorded 20 saves for the Hornets. Alliston incurred 24 minutes in penalty time with seven minors. Alex Elliott made 37 saves for the Devils on 41 shots. Fergus incurred 30 minutes in penalty time with 10 minors.
