NORTHERN ONTARIO JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE
NOJHL NETWORK MEDIA UPDATE
Release Date: Friday, Sept. 9, 2016
Canadians rally to clip Eagles
SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – The Rayside-Balfour Canadians rallied from a two-goal first period deficit before storming back to post a 5-2 triumph over the Soo Eagles Friday night in the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League 2016-17 season opening game for both sides, which was held at Pullar Stadium.
Things looked good for the Eagles early as William Casey collected his first NOJHL goal 12:08 into the contest during a man advantage opportunity.
Sault Ste. Marie then went up a pair just over four minutes later when Tait Aptakin also notched his initial league marker.
The power play allowed the Canadians to begin their comeback late in the first thanks to Kaleb Peljak also collecting his first NOJHL goal with 27 seconds left in the stanza.
Rayside-Balfour drew level with the lone tally of the middle session thanks to a Bradey Johnson effort at 10:37.
The Canadians would break things open in the third notching three unanswered markers to complete the comeback.
Chad Denault’s first proved to be the game-winner at 6:28 of the final frame while Cayse Ton supplied some insurance at 17:09.
A Johnson empty-net marker with 68 seconds to go wrapped things up offensively as the first-year Canadians forward capped off a four-point night in his debut.
Noah Serre also chipped in with a couple of helpers for Rayside-Balfour.
MacKenzie Savard picked up the win for the visitors as he was tested 43 times in earning the victory.
Jack Deines was busy as well saving 39 of 43 in defeat for the Eagles.
