Lakefield Herald Special Report

Chiefs take opener

by Jim Carson

The Lakefield Chiefs took game one of the best 4 out of 7 Central Ontario Junior “C’ finals with a thrilling come from behind 5-4 overtime win in Uxbridge on Monday night.

The Bruins, who finished first in the league and had a 6 win 2 loss record during the season against Lakefield, gave up a two goal lead twice in the game and were outshot by the Chiefs 37-15.

The Bruins scored three for four on the power play while Lakefield scored twice on their six power play opportunities.

Steve Doutsis opened the scoring with one minute and fifty four seconds remaining in the first period on the power play while Curtis Bolton was in the penalty box for interference.

Jesse Gregory tied the game just 38 seconds into the second period. Uxbridge then took their first two goal led on goals by Joey Vocino on the power play and just two minutes later Tim Biersmana scored on the Bruins only even strength goal.

Derek Manley pulled the Chiefs within one again on the Chiefs power play but a late goal by Justin Bean with just 20 seconds left in the second period, again on the power play, restored their two goal lead.

Trailing 4-2 going into the third period and having out-shot the Bruins 22-13 at that point and having hit three goal posts, the Chiefs kept coming with Nathan Larson pulling the Chiefs within one on a powerplay with six minutes remaining in regular time.

Lakefield pulled their goalie and the move paid off when Riley Campbell sent the game into overtime with just 38 seconds remaining.

It only took 12 seconds in the sudden death period for Travis Brault to break down the wing and cause a scramble in front of the Uxbridge net which was finally banged in by Eric Oosting. Larson also picked up an assist on the winner.

Brault ended up with three assists in the game with Jordan Walsh and Eric Shewell picking up two helpers.

Game 2 of the series was played in Lakefield Wednesday night. Game three in Uxbridge Friday and game four back in Lakefield Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m. Game five will be in Uxbridge on Friday, March 15, game six in Lakefield Saturday, March 16 at 7:30 and if game seven is needed it will be played in Uxbridge on Monday, March 18 at 7:45 p.m.

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