COCHRANE, ON - Cody Gratton scored twice in the third period as the Cochrane Crunch defeated the Powassan Voodoos 7-4 in Game 1 of the NOJHL East Division final.
The two teams were square at 4-4 after 40 minutes of play.
Henry Berger set the tone for the Crunch in the third period with the go-ahead marker less than 2 minutes into the final frame. Gratton added his pair just over 5 minutes apart to secure the victory.
Jacob Erwin scored twice for the Voodoos in the loss. Michael Silveri and Eric Allair had the other goals for the Voodoos who defeated the NOJHL defending champion Kirkland Lake Gold Miners in 6 games to punch their ticket to the NOJHL East Division Final.
"It was a tough loss tonight," said Voodoos Head Coach Scott Wray via Twitter.
"It's the first time we have had any adversity in this year's playoffs. How you respond shows your true colors."
Nic Proulx contributed with 2 assists and is the current playoff assist leader with 11. The Voodoos played the game without MVP Steve Harland who is out with an undisclosed injury. Great North Midget League leading scorer Jeff Jordan of the North Bay Trappers, took his spot in the roster.
The two teams will meet again for game 2 on Saturday night at 8:00 p.m. in Cochrane.
Game 3 and 4 will take place next Tuesday and Wednesday in Powassan.
