Last minute goal helps Royals salvage win over Islanders

LITTLE CURRENT, ON - Playing their third game in less than 72 hours, the Royals ended their weekend road trip with a 2-1 record, edging a 6-5 victory at the Nemi Centre Sunday afternoon.

Manitoulin opener the scoring at the 2:30 mark of the first as Travis Jones beat Royals netminder Mikell Bilodeau. Robin Mendelsohn, continuing his point spree tied the game at 1-1. Justin Kohler and Andre Leclair earned assists on the goal. Brandon Windsor gave the Royals their first lead of the game about half way through the opening frame. A total of 22 minutes in penalties were handed out in the period.

A couple of power play goals from the Islanders about four minutes apart gave the lead back to the home team.

Michael Schiavone and Nick Turro were the goal scorers. But in a three-minute span of their own, the Royals regained a 4-3 lead heading into the final period. Mendelsohn and Justin Kohler replied for Temiscaming.

Another 45 minutes in penalties in the second made the period a special teams overload.

The Islanders tied the score early in the last period as Paygibe Wabano tied the game at four. At 12:06, while shorthanded Jonathan Hannums from Leclair and Mendelsohn gave the Royals the lead. But less than 4 minutes later Corey McEwen tied the score once more. Looking like another overtime finish for the Royals, with time down to 11 seconds, newly returned Kelvin Blackned scored the game winner giving the Royals a 6-5 win.

Justin Kohler had a goal and four assists. Robin Mendelsohn, 2 goals and 2 assists and Andre Leclair 4 assists.

Mikell Bilodeau got the win in goal for the Royals while Avery Allen suffered the loss for the 0-4 Islanders.

With this win the Royals (3-1-1) are in first place of the NOJHL Eastern Conference.

The 3 stars were Mendelsohn, Nick Turro and Andre Leclair.

Submitted to BayToday.ca