The North Bay U18 AAA Trappers secured second place in the Great North U18 League courtesy of a pair of home wins during a busy three game weekend.
The weekend did not start well however as the Trappers suffered a 4-1 setback at the hands of the New Liskeard Cubs at a packed Don Shepherdson Memorial Arena in Temiscaming Shores on Friday night. Ethan Boyes had the lone goal. Mike Purkhart suffered the loss in goal for the Trappers while Cubs goalie Brett Ruddy shut down the Trappers shooters.
Ryan Miller, Logan Rivard, Carson Ruddy and Cameron Olsen scored for the Cubs.
On Saturday, the Trappers bounced back as Nate Gravelle had three goals while Caleb Dawson had one goal and two assists in a 6-2 win over the Timmins Majors at the Powassan Sportsplex.
The Trappers battled back down 2-1 early in the final frame before they were able to solve the solid goaltending provided by Majors netminder Sam Rudner.
Jesse Lefebvre and Heath Bradley had the other goals while Davis Anello and affiliate player Patrick Young chipped in with two assists each in the win. Mike McIvor collected the win in goal for the Trappers.
Tyson Scott and Shawn Gagnon scored for the Majors.
On Sunday, the Trappers built up 4-0 lead after two periods as they dumped the Majors for their 20th win of the season 5-1.
Dawson and Gravelle had two goals apiece with Justin Rousseau adding a single. Anello also added three assists in the victory which officially secured second spot for the Trappers who finished behind the first place and defending champion Soo U18 AAA Greyhounds.
Brody Vachon was the only Major to solve Mike McIvor as he made 42 saves for the win.
"We are proud of the boys for clinching second place in a very tough Great North U18 league," said Doug Sanders, U18 Trappers head coach about the win.
"The boys came out strong Sunday, weathered a good start by Timmins and when we got our legs going we started getting pucks to the net and created some chaos.
"It was a good win, but we still have lots of work to do to prepare for the playoffs and we can't take any team for granted."
The U18 Trappers (20-7) will wrap up regular season play on Friday, March 10 in a clash with the U16 Trappers in Sturgeon Falls.
The Great North U18 playoff tournament begins on Thursday, March 16 in Sault Ste. Marie.
Kortney Kenney interviews Trappers forward Nate Gravelle after Saturday's win courtesy The Frontline:
