Skyhawks blow lead against Islanders

Islanders forward Stephen Bunston puts the puck into an open net to give the Mantitoulin Islanders a 6-3 lead in the third period. Photo by Chris Dawson.

The North Bay Skyhawks built an early 3-0 first period lead but the Manitoulin Islanders responded with four powerplay goals en route to a 7-4 victory Sunday night at Memorial Gardens.

“Obviously we came out strong then we got into some penalty trouble and basically let them back into the game,” said Skyhawks head coach Darren Turcotte.

Justin Roy, AJ Shiverdecker and Brad Hummel got the offence going with three goals in the first half of the opening frame before Corey Metatawabin scored a pair of first period goals to make it 3-2 after one period of play.

The second period was one for the Skyhawks to forget as the Skyhawks were assessed eight penalties and the Islanders answered with three powerplay goals to take a 5-3 lead into the third period and chase Skyhawks starting goalie Jeff Shaffer who allowed five goals on 19 shots before giving way to Ian Wilson in the third period.

Stephen Bunston made it 6-3 on a bizarre goal. After Wilson made a save Jason Chevrier fed the puck in an attempt to bank it off Wilson and into the net, but instead it missed Wilson and went right onto Bunston’s stick for an easy goal.

The Skyhawks had their chances to cut into that lead as the Islanders were assessed six minor penalties in the third period. Only a wrist shot from the blue line by Kyle Radigan was able to beat Islanders goalie JJ Gargour in final period to make it 6-4. Gargour was solid in goal for the Islanders turning away 35 Skyhawks shots and was named the game's second star.

The Isles added an empty netter by Justin Hogan to seal the victory.

The Skyhawks can’t dwell on the loss as they lose to the worst team in the league at home and on Wednesday they head to Sudbury to play the Sudbury Jr. Wolves who are on top of the NOJHL standings.