The Pembroke Lumber Kings had a two-goal lead after two periods and cruised the rest of the way en route to a 5-1 win over the Gloucester Rangers.
Pembroke's Joel Horodziejczyk was a brick wall in net, as he came up with 40 saves and let only one puck past him. Horodziejczyk certainly lowered his goals against average, which was 2.63 entering the contest.
The Lumber Kings' penalty kill excelled, as Pembroke gave up one goal despite allowing seven power plays.
The Lumber Kings kept Gloucester's goalie busy throughout the game, and David Richer made 37 saves on 42 shots. Pembroke's penalty killing units received substantial work throughout the game as the Lumber Kings finished with 19 penalty minutes.
Pembroke was helped by Anthony Nellis, who racked up one goal. Nellis scored on the power play 18:18 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Pembroke. A holding penalty on Adam Beveridge had put the Lumber Kings on the power play. Ryan Casselman picked up the assist. Pembroke also got points from Felix Chamberland, who also finished with one goal and one assist and Justin Felhaber, who also grabbed one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Others who scored for Pembroke included Hudson Michaelis and Cale List, who scored one goal each. Other players who recorded assists for Pembroke were Brett du Puy, Jesse Blais, and Brett Horn, who each chipped in one.
The Rangers' offense operated below their season average. Gloucester puts an average of 3.3 pucks into the net per game. Pembroke was unable to stop the Rangers from sending pucks towards the net, and Gloucester eventually piled up 41 shots on goal.
The Rangers were led by Joey Fallon, who scored the team's only goal. Fallon scored on the power play 9:13 into the second period to make the score 1-1. Gloucester had taken the advantage when the Lumber Kings' Chamberland got sent off for slashing. Beveridge provided the assist.
Pembroke registered one goal on five power play opportunities. For the Lumber Kings, Nolan Redler was ejected from the game. The Rangers ended with 15 minutes in penalty time with five minors and one major. Gloucester ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Connor Eckenrod was ejected from the game.
