The Powassan Voodoos continue their impressive road play as they scored six unanswered goals en route to a convincing 6-1 win over the Blind River Beavers in game three of the best-of-seven NOJHL finals.
The win gives the Voodoos a 3-0 series lead with game four set for Friday night in Blind River.
It’s the Voodoos 11th straight win as the third year NOJHL franchise continues on its playoff roll.
The loud Blind River Community Centre got energized early as Beavers defenceman Tristan Bernard opened the scoring at 8:43 of the opening period.
The Voodoos didn’t panic as the Beavers put on the pressure in the opening frame. However, the lethal Voodoos power play even things up as Andy Baker worked himself out of the corner and into the slot where he got the equalizer past Beavers netminder Aiden Doak.
The Voodoos took the lead for good early in the second period as Dylan D’Agostino jumped on a puck that came off the boards and he put it into the empty cage which made it 2-1 at 2:31.
Veteran defender Justin Schebel netted the second power play marker of the game as he snuck in from the point and beat Doak high blocker side for a 3-1 lead at 8:58.
"We weathered the storm early in the first 10 minutes, got down early but battled back,” said veteran defender Schebel, who joined the Voodoos from the OJHL’s Wellington Dukes at the pre-Christmas trade deadline in early December.
“We got pucks deep and worked their defense down low. Everyone contributed tonight."
Voodoos goalie Nate McDonald was solid as he turned away 25 shots for victory. McDonald echoed Schebel's thoughts that the Voodoos depth was key on this night.
"All four lines contributed and we're really happy with the position that we've put ourselves in going into game four," said the Niagara University commit.
The score stayed 3-1 until the third period when the Voodoos really started to pull away.
Gary Mantz, who was on a 10-game point scoring streak, made it 11 as he took a puck off the lively back boards and beat Doak from an initial point shot from Eric Nagy.
Then speedy forward Shane Beaulieu made it 5-1 just over a minute later at the midway point of the third period.
Parker Bowman scored his playoff leading 11th goal on a late Voodoos power play to round out the scoring for the Voodoos.
Tyson Gilmour dished out three assists to aid the Voodoos’ cause while Mantz and Rhys Brown had two helpers apiece.
The Voodoos have a chance to wrap up the series with a win in game four set for Friday night in Blind River. If the Beavers win, game five would take place back in Powassan on Sunday night.
Voodoos Fan Bus Confirmed for Friday
The Powassan Voodoos are hosting a fan bus to travel to Blind River for game four of the NOJHL finals which takes place on Friday, April 21st at the Blind River Community Centre ( 7 pm puck drop).
The bus is scheduled to leave the Northgate Shopping Centre (near Sears Entrance) at 2 p.m. on Friday afternoon en route to Blind River. Fans should be there for 1:30 p.m.
The bus will not be stopping at the Sportsplex as previously mentioned.
The cost of the trip including the ticket to the game is $60.00. Interested fans are asked to contact Jim Bruce at [email protected].
The Voodoos will take the first 50 people so fans are asked to get there early to reserve a spot on the bus.
