Mendelsohn leads Royals past Islanders

LITTLE CURRENT, ON. - Playing their second road game in 48 hours, the Temiscaming Royals edged out a 5-3 win over the Islanders. Tonight it was the Royals that got off on the right foot by getting the first two goals. Robin Mendelsohn opened the scoring at around the nine minute mark. Then about 5 minutes later Darren Shecapio netted his sixth of the season. The first period ended with the Royals holding a 2-0 lead. Early in the second, while on a power play, Benoit Fiset made it a three goal lead. The Islanders broke Jim Murray's shut out bid with less than 2 minutes in the middle period on a goal by Eric Smolicek.

The Islanders needed only 4 seconds at the start of the final period to close the gap to 3-2 on a Cody Cousineau goal. But the Royals responded with two goals in less than 2 minutes to go ahead 5-2. Robin Mendelsohn and Darren Shecapio notched their second goals of the game. A late power play goal by Nicholas Lalonde with 16 seconds left made the final 5-3 for the visitors.

Shots were 49-42 Royals. Jim Murray earned the win while Thomas Pratt & Mike Malmborg shared the duties for the Islanders.

Andre Leclair had 3 assists while linemate Cedric Boutin had 2 along with Mendelsohn's 2 goal and 1 assist gave this trio an 8 point night.

The Royals are back on the ice Sunday as they travel to North Bay to visit the 5-1 North Bay Jr. 'A' Trappers.

Photo of Robin Mendelsohn