ABRAM-VILLAGE – The Arsenault’s Fish Mart Western Red Wings have taken the first step in repeating as Island Junior Hockey League champions.
The Red Wings blanked the Eastern Maniacs 5-0 on Wednesday night to win the best-of-seven semifinal series in five games. Western will now face the winner of the series between the Sherwood-Parkdale A&S Scrap Metal Metros and Kensington Moase Plumbing and Heating Vipers in the final.
At the Evangeline Recreation Centre, Chasse Gallant scored two goals and assisted on another to pace the Red Wings’ attack. Connor Morrissey (1-1) Jason Gallant (1-1) and affiliated player Nick Reeves rounded out Western’s scoring. Curklan Fraser (2), Spencer Groom and Silas Handrahan contributed assists.
Luke Oliver earned a 26-save shutout for the Red Wings, who built period leads of 2-0 and 3-0. Noah Laybolt faced 36 shots in the Eastern goal.
The Maniacs were assessed eight minors, one fighting major and two game misconducts. The Red Wings received seven minors, one fighting major and one game misconduct.
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METROS 4, KENSINGTON 1
The Sherwood-Parkdale A&S Scrap Metal Metros staved off elimination on Wednesday night in Charlottetown.
The Metros received goals from four different players in a 4-1 win over the Kensington Moase Plumbing and Heating Vipers. The victory cuts the Vipers’ lead in the best-of-seven Island Junior Hockey League semifinal series to 3-2, with Game 6 scheduled for Credit Union Centre in Kensington on Friday at 7 p.m.
At the Cody Banks Arena, the Metros, who held period leads of 1-0 and 3-1, received a 37-save effort from Alex Kelly as the Vipers held a 38-34 shots-on-goal advantage. Rett Rook was in goal for Kensington.
Affiliated player Connor McGregor (1-1), Jordan Birt, Barrington Duffy and Pat McGuigan, who sealed the win with an empty-net goal, scored for the Metros. Single helpers went to Alex Hall, Zach Ladner, Ryan Boswall, Colin Koughan and affiliated player Grant MacAdam.
Logan Vandervelden, assisted by CJ McCardle and Garrett Murray, answered for the Vipers.
Overall, the Metros received three of the five minor penalties.
