Eskimos late goal sinks Skyhawks

Heartbreaker- Yves Bernard's second goal late in the third period lifted the Abitibi Eskimos to a 2-1 victory over the Skyhawks Friday night. Photo by Chris Dawson.

It was a game full of missed opportunities according to North Bay Skyhawks head coach Randy Edmonds.

"I think when you play at home and score only one goal, once you get to the third period your home ice is taken away, and it all of a sudden becomes an advantage for the opposing team."

The Abitibi Eskimos opened the scoring in the first period on a goal by Yves Bernard.

The Skyhawks got the equalizer late in the second period on a goal by David Frawley making it 1-1 heading into the third period. However the Skyhawks missed some great opportunities in the second frame, going scoreless and shotless in seven minutes of powerplay time.

In the third period the Hawks fired 10 shots at Eskies goaltender Steve Hamel, but it was Bernard's second tally with less than three minutes remaining in regulation that was the back breaker. Parked at the side of the net Bernard slipped the puck past a sprawling Michael Lalande to make it 2-1 Eskimos.

Edmonds gives Abitibi credit for playing a solid defensive game.

"They sat back and trapped all night and didn't give us a lot of room," said Edmonds. "They frustrated us all night."

The Abitibi victory moves them into a tie for first with the Skyhawks in the NOJHL Eastern Division with 32 points each.

Injury Bug
Matt Collins left in the first period and did not return. His status for Sunday's contest against Northern Michigan is unknown at this time.