Minto 81’s blank Creemore in semifinal opener

CREEMORE – The Minto 81’s scored a goal in each period as they opened their best-of-seven Ontario Elite Hockey League semifinal series with a 3-0 victory over the Creemore Coyotes Saturday at the Creemore and District Recreation Centre.

Daniel Dekoening picked up the shutout for the 81’s.

Blake Nichol, Ryan Maksymyk and Kyle Heintzner scored a goal apiece for Minto while Adam Kawalec, Steven Grant, Shawn Lantz and Nichol each had an assist.

Mason Kameka was in net for the Coyotes.

Shots on net were not recorded and both teams were scoreless on their power plays. Minto had four power plays and Creemore had three.

Creemore finished the regular season in second place with a 14-5-1 (W-L-OTL) record, two points ahead of third-place Minto (13-6-1).

Tavistock Royals edged the Ripley Wolves 4-3 in overtime Saturday at Ripley in the opening game of the other semifinal.

Devin Kropf scored the winner on a power play at 6:31 of the overtime after Tavistock’s Drew Gerth forced the overtime when he scored with 40 seconds to go in the third period on a power play.

Second game of the Elora-Creemore series is to go in Creemore Saturday at 7:30 p.m. while the third game is to be played at the Palmerston and District Community Centre March 10 at 2:30 p.m.

• Guelph Sports Journal