Rivermen row past Royals
Isaak Picken scored just past the four-minute mark of overtime to lift the Espanola Rivermen to a 6-5 win over the new-look Sudbury Royals in Canadian International Hockey League action on Friday.
A crowd of 629 spectators took in the close encounter at the Espanola Community Centre.
Bryon Sam and Andrew Demarco sparked the Rivermen with two goals apiece goals while Andrei Yanovich netted the other.
Zachary Wright, Taylor Jordan, Jordan Piette, Tyler Rochon and Aiden Byrne scored for Sudbury, which recently merged with the Markstay-Warren Spirit Warriors in an attempt to ice a stronger team.
Espanola coach Tom McCarthy took note of the improved Sudbury squad.
“Sudbury iced a hockey team with a lot more energy and focus,” said Rivermen McCarthy. “They came prepared and willing to battle. They also outplayed us at times on our home ice. We might have out-chanced them and out-skated them at times but when they got opportunities they made it count.
“Overtime had lots of pressure,” McCarthy added, “but Isaak rifled it upstairs for the winning goal. We look forward to our next battle with Royals as they keep getting better.”
Sudbury coach Richard Piette was happy with the effort of his team.
“I respect the skill and work ethic the Rivermen have brought forth as of late and I knew it was going to be tough for us to compete,” said Piette, who recently took over the Sudbury bench duties. “There is a new atmosphere in the dressing room and I really think the new faces will bring accountability on the bench.
“We made a few mistakes during the game and I knew we would. But we made up for it with hard work and positive attitudes. With a little more structure, I think the boys will compete with any team in the league,” added Piette.
The win improved Espanola’s record to 12-6 while Sudbury is now 0-11-1.
The game last night was good. We have not malgamated with the Warren team. We are greater Sudbury Royals and we will always be. We do have a few boys from the Warren team to add depth to our team.
Lianne,
Put whatever spin on it that you choose. Markstay-Warren shut down for the rest of this season to, in part, make the Sudbury Royals stronger. That is right from the CIHL executive office.
The Royals were 0-11 before the arrival of players from Markstay-Warren. One game in and the Royals pick up their first point of the season. Coincidence?
Regards,
Randy
lets face it the “Greater Sudbury Royals” were horse shit before the League stepped in to help with Players from the Spirit Warriors. Come down off your high horse “Lianne” your Royals team was one step away from going into the tank before help arrived from Warren.
Is that “Beals” chap still with the Royals? I only ask because I seen him at a couple a games and he had a bad atitude if ya ask me. Very yappy chirping the reffs and after words strutting around the rink here like he was the Cock of the walk.
Was pleased to see sudbury play well hope they can keep it up for the year. The defenceman Wright really impresssed me. Also i have talked to Beals a few times he seems to be an alright guy. Maybe just frusrated as they thought one of their players was high sticked. Looks to me though like he got a puck in the face.