Minto 81’s shoot ahead in semifinal with Creemore

PALMERSTON – After splitting their first two games of their Ontario Elite Hockey League semifinal playoff series with the Creemore Coyotes, the Minto 81’s returned home to the Palmerston and District Community Centre Complex Sunday where they recorded a 10-2 victory.

The result gives Minto a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.

The 81’s scored six times in the first period including twice in the first minute and four times in the first three and a half minutes. They also scored four times in the second in a span of 4:44 before Creemore netted its two goals in the third.

Jordan Delaurier had a hat trick for Minto while Riley Cribbin had two goals and three assists while Adam Kawalec had two goals and an assist. Single goals were added by Blair Butchart, Cole Pellett and Caleb Warren. Jacob McEachern and Steven Grant each had three assists while Blake Nichol, Pellett, Ryan Maksymyk and Shawn Lantz each had one.

Ben Hughes and Jacob Vander Zaag scored for Creemore while JD Falconer and Jordan Taylor each had an assist.

Shots on goal were not reported.

Mark Williams was in net for Minto while Creemore had Brendan Macham between the pipes.

The 81’s went 2-for-7 on their power play while the Coyotes were scoreless on five power plays, but did score a shorthanded goal.

Fourth game of the series is scheduled for Friday in Palmerston at 8:30 p.m.

• Guelph Sports Journal