Paper Kings over Rapids
Jack Helkie made 45 saves and five players had two point outings as the Espanola Paper Kings strengthened their hold on the eighth and final playoff spot in the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League tonight with a 6-2 win over the visiting French River Rapids.
Graydon Guthrie, Cain Savage and defenseman Tyler Thompson all had one goal, one assist performances and Jack Anderson and Rich Podulka had two helpers apiece to boost the Paper Kings to victory in support of Helkie, who stood tall for his sixth win of the season.
Espanola now has 41 points from a record of 19-23-3 to maintain its hold on the number eight seed in the NOJHL standings. French River is now six points back of Espanola following the defeat.
Iroquois Falls Storm is also in the playoff hunt. But the Storm now trails Espanola by four points — and remains two points ahead of French River — following a 5-3 loss to the Soo Eagles tonight.