Skyhawks slip past Royals

The North Bay Skyhawks earned their 24th victory of the season and fifth of six from the Temiscaming Royals tonight at the Centre by a score of 5-3.

The Skyhawks opened the scoring at the 16:32 mark on a goal by Justin Villeneuve, assisted by Tront and Loach. With less than a minute to play in the period the Royals tied the game on a scramble in front of Jeff Michaels net as Guillaume Brisebois put in a Stephan Gunner rebound on a power play. A fast paced first period with only 1 minor penalty per side. Some good goaltending from Jessy Lecours and Jeff Michael as the Skyhawks outshot the Royals 22-17.

In the middle period the visitors went ahead 2-1 on a goal by Solomon McCann. The Royals tied the score again close to the end of the period. Darren Shecapio put one past Michael on another scramble in front of the net. 10 Minor penalties were handed out with each team getting five.

The crowd of 575 was settling in for a good third period. They didn't have to wait too long as the home team took the lead at the 2:48 mark as Chris Hebert tapped in a Corey Raymond shot. The lead was short lived when Joel Senecal tied it about two minutes later. Then at the 9 minute mark, Trent Lizee scoring the eventual game winner while lying flat on the ice managed to scoop the puck past Lecours. Dustin Fummerton sealed the victory with an empty net goal with only 2 seconds left in the game. Another busy period in the penalty box as each team were given 4 minors. McKenzie Koopmans and Stephan Gunner had a very short lived bout, with no winner, as they both ended on the ice.

Jeff Michael earned the victory stopping 35 shots while Jessy Lecours faced 56 shots.

The 3 stars were Ryan Loach, Jessy Lecours and Dustin Fummerton.

The two teams will finish off the home and home series Sunday night at the Gardens. Game time is 7:00 p.m.

Submitted to BayToday.ca