Slow-starting Minto downed by Saugeen Shores

PALMERSTON – A slow start proved to be costly for the Minto 81’s as they were handed a 7-3 setback by the Saugeen Shores Winterhawks in Ontario Elite Hockey League play Saturday at the Palmerston and District Community Centre.

The 81’s were held without a goal until the final two minutes of the second period and Saugeen Shores had scored five times by then. The Winterhawks led 3-0 at the end of the first period and 5-1 after the second.

Klayton Hoelscher, Blair Butchart and Brenden Clayton scored a goal apiece for Minto while assists went to Caleb Warren, Kyle Heintzner and Cole Pellett.

Luke Pither and Jordan Vanhaelemeesch scored twice apiece for Saugeen Shores while single goals were added by Justin Marlowe, Andy Fracz and Miles MacLean. Josh Deyell and Marlowe each had two assists while Dan Zweep, James McHaig, Pither, Justin Donnelly and Lauchlin Elder each had one.

The Winterhawks went 3-for-5 on their power play while the 81’s were 1-for-8.

Shots on net were not reported. Daniel DeKoening started in net for Minto, but was replaced by Mark Williams at 7:05 of the second after the fifth goal by Saugeen Shores. Former Guelph Hurricanes goaltender Jeff Flagler was in net for the Winterhawks.

The result leaves Minto at 3-2-0-0 and Saugeen Shores at 4-2-0-0.

The 81’s are to finish their season-opening six-game homestand next Sunday when they’re to host the Ripley Wolves (2-0-0-3) at 2 p.m. After that Minto is to play five consecutive road games.

• Guelph Sports Journal