Minto 81’s skate to win with final five goals of match
PALMERSTON – The Minto 81’s erupted for the final five goals of the game to claim a 9-4 victory over the Tavistock Royals in Ontario Elite Hockey League play Friday night at the Palmerston and District Community Centre.
The 81’s scored the first two goals of the game, but Tavistock led 3-2 at the end of the first period. Minto reclaimed a 4-3 lead in the middle frame. That lead lasted 38 seconds until the Royals pulled even again, but the 81’s responded with their final five-goal spree.
Klayton Hoelscher had a hat trick for Minto while Cole Pellett scored twice. Caleb Warren and Kyle Heintzler each had a goal and two assists while Shawn Lantz and Jacob McEachern each had a goal and an assist. Blake Nichol had three assists while Blair Butchart had two and Riley Torrie, Jordan Delaurier, Ryan Maksymyk, Trent Verbeek and Steven Grant.
Adam Barr had a goal and three assists for Tavistock while Cam Leslie, Drew Gerth and Mitch Facey scored the other goals. Sean Leslie had a pair of assists while Deven Kropf had one assist.
Shots on net were not recorded. The 81’s had three power-play goals and the Royals had one.
Daniel DeKoening was in net for Minto while Jensen Van Boekel was in goal for Tavistock.
The win lifts the 81’s into second in the 11-team league with an 8-3-0-1 record while the Ripley Wolves lead at 8-1-0-3. Tavistock is seventh at 5-7-0-0.
The game was the first home contest for the 81’s following five consecutive road games. It was also the final home game of 2023 for Minto.
The 81’s and Royals are to play again next Saturday (Dec. 16) at 7:30 p.m. at the Tavistock and District Recreation Centre.
- Guelph Sports Journal