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Skyhawks dump Eskimos

Frank Desbiens is foiled on a partial breakaway by Eskimos goalie Steve Hamel in the third period. Photo by Chris Dawson.


Frank Desbiens is foiled on a partial breakaway by Eskimos goalie Steve Hamel in the third period. Photo by Chris Dawson.

The North Bay Skyhawks used two short-handed goals to sink the Abitibi Eskimos 4-1 in front of 2000 plus fans at Memorial Gardens Sunday night.

The Skyhawks were able to grab game one in a convincing style sending hometown fans home happy and re-examining their thoughts on the East Division final. The win came at much needed time as the Skyhawks had dropped their last three regular season games to the rival Eskimos.

The win saw the Skyhawks play their best defensive game of the playoffs holding the Eskimos to only 20 shots. The Skyhawks got much needed contributions from all lines including a goal and an assist from Yves Bastien. Bastien looked to have his jump back after sitting the fifth and deciding against the Sudbury Northern Wolves.

“Frawley and Perry have been the two focus points of teams and they concentrate on checking them,” said Coach Randy Edmonds.

“We have to look to other guys to step it up at this time of year and that was the case tonight, so we hope it continues.”

David Cappadadocia got the Skyhawks on the board first at the 6:34 mark after knocking in a rebound off the pads of Eskimos goaltender Steve Hamel. With Ian Carlson in the sin bin Tyler Perry would add to his playoff points lead by netting a short-handed tally to put the locals up by a deuce.

Jessy Lebel brought his club to with in one after beating Mike Lalande stick side off a beautiful back door feed from Nick Torresan.

Mike Lalande made key stops early in the second to secure the two goal lead until Yves Bastien sounded the siren chipping in the loose puck past Hamel.

“I thought Lalande should have been the first star in the last game against Sudbury and ended up with the second or third,” said Edmonds.

“Tonight he didn’t get one but he looked very sturdy and calm and did a great job.”

Lalande continued his stingy ways stopping all seven shots that came his way in the third. With an empty Eskimos net Lalande would pick up an assist on Brett Venasse short-handed goal that turned the lights for the Eskimos in game one.

The Skyhawks will look to take a two game series lead Tuesday night in Abitibi before hitting the ice again Friday night in the Gateway City.

Story by Todd Vandonk



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Chris Dawson

About the Author: Chris Dawson

Chris Dawson has been with BayToday.ca since 2004. He has provided up-to-the-minute sports coverage and has become a key member of the BayToday news team.
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