The Pembroke Lumber Kings survived a determined comeback attempt by the Nepean Raiders on the way to a 6-4 win.
Pembroke took a 6-3 lead during the third period, only to have Nepean storm back on a Kari Belec goal 19:13 into the third period to pull to two goals down.
The Lumber Kings got the win thanks to a great game by Jesse Blais, who had four goals and one assist. Blais got on the scoresheet 4:52 into the second period. He then added goals at 15:03 into the second and at 32 seconds into the third.
Pembroke kept the Raiders' goalie busy throughout the game, and Francis Marotte made 33 saves on 39 shots. The Lumber Kings found the back of the net more times than it usually has this season. Pembroke averages 1.8 goal per game.
Pembroke additionally got points from Nicolas Vlahos, who also had one goal and one assist. Stephen Cooney also scored for Pembroke. Other players who recorded assists for Pembroke were Tristan Whynot, Tyler ONeill, and Brett Horn, who contributed one each and Fraser Turner, Ryan Casselman, and Cale List, who each chipped in two.
The Lumber Kings were unable to stop Nepean from sending pucks towards the net, and the Raiders eventually piled up 33 shots on goal.
Nepean was helped by Rory Garlasco, who racked up one goal. Garlasco scored on the power play 2:19 into the third period to make the score 5-3 Pembroke. Hunter Garlasco picked up the assist. Nepean also got points from Luke McCaw, who also registered one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Nepean also got a goal from Jody Sullivan as well. More assists for Nepean came via Josh Zizek, Matthew OBrien, and Derek Varrin, who contributed one each.
Gabe Mollot-Hill recorded 29 saves for Pembroke. The Lumber Kings totaled 13 minutes in penalty time with four minors and one major and went 2-for-5 on the power play. For Pembroke, Colton Keuhl was ejected from the game. The Raiders incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors.
