Paper Kings in good spot
Espanola Paper Kings have a nine point lead on the Soo Eagles in the race for the fourth and final playoff spot in the West Division of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League.
Following a pair of clutch wins over two of the top teams in the NOJHL West last week, Espanola now has 56 points from a record of 26-20-4. The Paper Kings scored a 2-1 road decision over the Sudbury Cubs before clipping the visiting Soo Thunderbirds 5-3.
Speed demon forward Devin Mauro scored both Espanola goals in the win over Sudbury and had a goal and two assists in the victory over his hometown Thunderbirds. Another Sault Ste. Marie product, affiliate player Coulson Bell, had an assist for his first NOJHL point in the win over the Thunderbirds. Bell, a 2007 birth year forward, regularly plays for the Sudbury U16 Nickel Capitals of the Great North Under 18 Hockey League. Meanwhile, goalie Jake Marois was in net for both of the Paper Kings wins and now has 15 Ws on the season.
On the other hand, the fifth-place Eagles have now lost four straight games and have 47 points from a record of 21-24-5. Both the Eagles and Paper Kings have eight games to play in the regular season,
It has been great watching the Espanola Paper Kings this season and the two smallest players on the squad Devin Mauro and Lucas Signoretti have been leading the way. The two speedsters have been a delight to watch and hopefully will move into the playoffs and give the Greater Sudbury Cubs a run for their money. The Paper Kings have won four times in Sudbury, but are winless at home. Lots of great action still to watch.
Certainly home ice means nothing in that potential series
Well done players, coaching staff, and fans. It has been lots of fun following the games online.