Trappers fall in provincial AAA opener

Trappers forward Kyle Willard is parked in front of Waxer goalie Chris Azzano. Photo by Chris Dawson.

Cody Hodgson scored a shorthanded breakaway goal to seal a 5-3 victory for the Markham Waxers over the North Bay Trappers in the opening game of the Central Region Midget AAA Championship taking place this week at Memorial Gardens in North Bay.

The Trappers fell behind 4-1 but made a game of it with a late second period goal by Mat Pepin and point shot that was tipped by Paul Deluca to make it 4-3 midway through the third period.

The Trappers seemed to be ready to even things up with less than five minutes to play in the third when Darcy Gray took a roughing penalty for the Waxers behind the Trappers net to give the Trappers a powerplay.

However, instead of getting the equalizer, Cody Hodgson snuck behind theTrappers defence and took a two line pass from behind their own net by Kale Hudolin and deked out Patrick Beaudry for the back breaking goal.

“It took our opportunity away to tie it up,” said Keenan who was frustrated with his club’s undisciplined play which allowed the Waxers to score three powerplay goals along with the shorthanded marker.

“There again it was a dumb play by our two defenceman that were out there went to sleep they just ignored the guy.”

Kody Carnevale scored the other Trapper goal in the first period. The Waxers were led offensively by top OHL prospect Cody Hodgson and Chad Beal each with a pair of goals while Kale Hudolin had a goal and added three assists.

The Trappers don’t have too long to dwell on their opening loss as they play their second game of the tournament against a familiar foe; the GNML champions from Sault Ste. Marie.

Keenan believes his club can’t afford to take foolish penalties against the high powered North Stars offence.

“If we play undisciplined against the Soo then you are going to see a lot of goals,” he said.