Hockey net. © Can Stock Photo / bradcalkinsHockey net. © Can Stock Photo / bradcalkins
London

Jr. Hockey Wrap-Up - February 19, 2018

The Essex 73s took the first game in their junior-C playoff series on Family Day.

The 73s beat the Kings 5-2 Monday at Dresden in Game 1 of the Stobbs Division semifinals.

For Essex, goals were scored by Dawson Winchester, Michael Ruttinger, Tyler Boughner, Ryan Wismer and Luke Gecse.

The goal scorers for Dresden were Noah Fox and Nolan Ross.

Jax D'Hondt got the win between the pipes for the 73s while Brendan Johnston tended the Dresden goal.

Game 2 of the best-of-seven series is Tuesday night in Essex.

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William Johnston scored the winner at 17 seconds into overtime as the Komoka Kings beat the Strathroy Rockets 3-2 at home.

These are two teams still jockeying for playoff position in the GOJHL Western Conference with the final week of the junior-B regular season underway. With the win, the Kings currently sit in seventh place with 29 points. Strathroy is right behind with 28 points.

The Kings scored first at 6:28 in the first period on a goal by Joel Mazzilli. The Rockets then took the lead before the intermission on back-to-back goals from Mark Bastow and T.J. Harris.

Komoka tied the game up with the second period's only goal, off the stick of Isaac McLean.

There was no scoring in the third period though the Kings outshot the Rockets 11-9.

Avery Hartwick had 20 saves in goal for Komoka. Vince Michelizzi stopped 25 shots out of 28 for Strathroy.

Both teams hit the road Wednesday night. Strathroy heads to London to face the Nationals while Komoka travels to meet the Chatham Maroons.

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Adam Keyes scored back-to-back goals for the St. Thomas Stars in their 2-1 win over the Nationals in London.

The Stars move into a fourth-place tie with the Sarnia Legionnaires in the Western Conference with 60 points each. The Nationals stand pat at the top of the conference with 69 points, two ahead of the Leamington Flyers.

London drew first blood with the only goal of the first stanza, when Brandon Glover found the net.

Keyes' goals came in the second period, the first on the power play at six seconds into the frame, the other short-handed.

There was no scoring in the final frame, but London did have one power play opportunity.

Anthony Hurtubise stopped 38 shots out of 39 between the pipes for St. Thomas. Zachary Springer took the loss for the Nationals, with 18 shots.

The Stars travel to Leamington Thursday for a game against the Flyers.

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