SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — Starring roles in a winning effort highlighted the birthday celebrations for Summerside D. Alex MacDonald Ford Western Capitals forwards Mark Hillier and Cole Galata.
Hillier and Galata, who turned 19 on Thursday, each had a big night offensively in the Caps’ 6-2 home-ice victory over the South Shore Lumberjacks. Hillier had two goals and two assists, while Galata contributed three helpers as the Caps improved to 12-5-2 (won-lost-overtime losses) in the 2020-21 Maritime Junior Hockey League (MHL) regular season.
The Capitals play their next two games on the road – Friday against the Amherst Ramblers (17-7-3) and Tuesday versus the Truro Bearcats (17-10-1) – before closing out the regular season with nine home games beginning March 25.
At Eastlink Arena, Justin Ertel, who has 12 points in the Caps’ last four games, continued his torrid pace by scoring two goals. Colby MacArthur and Luke Strickland rounded out the scoring. Owen Gilhula (3), Sid McNeill (2), Josh MacDonald and Chris McQuaid also chipped in with assists.
Riley Spears and Konnor Benjamin countered for the Bridgewater, N.S.-based Lumberjacks (5-21-1). Braden Paquette and Colin Parker collected helpers.
The Caps led 2-1 after the first period and extended that margin to 3-1 following 40 minutes.
Overall, the Capitals outshot the Lumberjacks 42-26. Jacob LeBlanc earned the goaltending win over Jeremy Robar.
The Caps were clicking on the power play, finishing the night 3-for-4 with the man advantage. The Lumberjacks scored on their only power-play opportunity.
Referees Mark Hulshof and Tanner Doiron called four of five minor penalties against South Shore.
The game’s three stars were:
- Mark Hillier (Caps),
- Owen Gilhula (Caps),
- Justin Ertel (Caps).