Elliot Lake battles back
A goal by Ethan Mercer just past the 5:00 minute mark of a second overtime session capped a frantic comeback for the Elliot Lake Red Wings who scored a 4-3 win over the Blind River Beavers to force a third and deciding game in their Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League preliminary round series.
The Game 3 showdown is slated for tonight at 7:00 in Blind River.
Trailing 3-1, Elliot Lake scored a last minute goal in the second period and then knotted the match in the eighth minute of the third frame to set the stage for the overtime marathon.
Mercer’s goal in the second OT ended a net duel between Elliot Lake’s Cameron Smith (see photo above by Helene Rancourt) and Gavin Disano of Blind River. Smith made 48 saves while Disano stopped 45 pucks.
The winner of tonight’s game will meet the Soo Thunderbirds in a best-of-seven West Division semi-final series.
Soo Eagles and Sudbury Cubs will face off in the other West side semi.