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Abitibi closes the gap(Updated)

Yves Bastien picks up the puck and scores the Skyhawks 2nd goal. It wasn't enough as they fall to Abitibi at home 3-2. Photo by Bill Tremblay.



Yves Bastien picks up the puck and scores the Skyhawks 2nd goal. It wasn't enough as they fall to Abitibi at home 3-2. Photo by Bill Tremblay.

Seizing one of a possible for points on the weekend, the Skyhawks saw their league lead dwindle to four points in front of a home crowd at Memorial Gardens Sunday night.

Abitibi climbed four points closer to the league lead Sunday after dropping the Skyhawks 3-2 in stingy defense of battle, where quality chances were limited.

“We’re a little frustrated," admits Edmonds.

"Teams don’t want to play offensive hockey with us, and it is extremely boring.”

With eight games remaining in the season, the Skyhawks have time to adjust to the play-off brand of hockey.

“It’s good for our boys to learn now how to handle tight games, and realize its still a game in the third period,” said Edmonds.

Eskimos, Marc Bertrand tallied the loan goal in the first giving them the lead after one frame.

In the second, the Eskimos lit the lamp twice early, to give them the 3-0 lead on goals by Corey Santamaria and Yves Bernard. Yves Bastien replied midway through the second with a two-man advantage to draw the Skyhawks within two.

Despite Chase Gallacher’s power play goal midway through the third, Skyhawks couldn’t find the gas to muster a heroic comeback as three games in four days and the tight knit defense of the Eskimos seemed to fatigue Edmonds boys late in the third.

“I think two or three of our so-called better players, older players, didn’t have the jump tonight,” said Edmonds.

“Eating properly, getting enough sleep, and being a professional is key come playoff time.”

Game Notes: Eskimos goalie Steve Hamel faced 32 shots, earning him the first star. Skyhawks, Josh Merson and Tyler Perry, added to their points total, picking up two helpers a piece.

Skyhawks next action is Friday, Feb 18, when they host Rayside Balfour Sabrecats. Game time 7:30.


Game Summary

First Period
1. AB: Marc Bertrand (Kurtis Camirand, Yves Bernard) 15:59 FG

Penalties: Yves Bernard AB (RO) 6:19; Tyler Perry NB (SL) 9:23; Jessy Joseph AB (HO) 12:48; David Frawley NB (RO) 13:01; Michel Charette AB (INT) 16:48;
Second Period
2. AB: Corey Santamaria (Marc Bertrand) 4:33
3. AB: Yves Bernard (Nick Torresan, Matt Brunet) 8:18 GW PP
4. NB: Yves Bastien (Josh Merson, Tyler Perry) 11:08 PP

Penalties: Matt Collins NB (SL) 6:23; Jessy Lebel AB (RO) 9:10; Jessy Lebel AB (RO) 9:10; Quinn Waller NB (RO) 9:10; Michel Champagne AB (HS) 10:33; David Moon NB (RAW) 11:55; Tyler Perry NB (RO) 14:13;
Third Period
5. NB: Chase Gallacher (Tyler Perry, Josh Merson) 9:33 PP

Penalties: Jessy Lebel AB (HOST) 2:32; Luc Champagne AB (CC) 3:32; Dustin McCrank NB (INT) 06:21; Adam Chircoski AB (HOST) 8:30; Jacie Gagne AB (HS) 12:08; Frank Desbiens NB (SL) 14:46; Michel Charette AB (RAW) 20:00;


Game story by Todd Vandonk w/ Files from NOJHL.com

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Chris Dawson

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