Royals double Islanders

Royals forward Justin Kohler goes after a loose puck in front of the Islanders net. Photo submitted.

The Temiscaming Royals left the Centre tonight with a slight sigh of relief as they defeated the visitors 8-4 in front of 248 fans. It was only last Sunday that the Royals needed a goal with eleven seconds left to squeeze out a 6-5 win over the Islanders.

The Royals started off with a bang scoring goals on their first two shots. Cole Workman at the 1:08 mark and then a little more than a minute later, Jonathan Hannums gave the home team a quick lead. The last 4 minutes of the period saw four goals with two from each team. Eddie Slade started the barrage this was followed by Amit Grommit-Morris for Manitoulin. Only 62 seconds later Justin Kohler made it 4-1. But with 19 seconds left, Michael Schiavone made it 4-2. Shots in the first were 17-7 Royals.

The Islanders changed goaltenders to start the second. Will Rohieder was yanked for Avery Allen. Schiavone scored his second about seven minutes into the middle frame to make the game closer, now 4-3 Royals. But while on a power play, Justin Kohler. on a power play restored the 2 goal advantage. The second ended 5-3 for the home team and they also had the edge on the shot clock 12-9.

In the third period, Jonathan Hannums upped the score to 6-3 and seemed to put the pesky Islanders out of the game. But around the 8 minute mark, Grommet-Morris notched his second to cut the lead to two goals. Coach Leach pulled his goalie but his plan quickly backfired as shortly after a 2 on 1 with Leclair and Mendelsohn heading towards the empty cage, Mendelsohn put the puck into the empty net. 28 seconds later on an unassisted effort, Alexander Cooper put a lid on the game.

Shots in the final period were 12-7 Royals for a total of 41-23.

Jonathan Hannums earned the games first star with a 2 goal 2 assist night. Justin Kohler with 2 goals was the second star while Manitoulin's Michael Schiavone was the third star with 2 goals of his own. Alexander Cooper had one goal and 2 helpers. The league 2 top points leaders each contributed 2 points to their totals. Robin Mendelsohn one goal, 1 assist while Andre Leclair had 2 assists.

Referee Brad Walker kept his whistle pretty busy calling 74 minutes in penalties.

Royals next game is Sunday, September 26th when the second place Jr. Wolves will be in town for a 2:00 p.m. puck drop.