Aurora falls to North York in overtime, 5-4 (OT)
(pictured - North York's Michael Morgan scored the OT-winning goal to give the Rangers a 5-4 victory over the high-flying Aurora Tigers - photo credit: Andy Corneau/OJHL Images)
The North York Rangers pulled out a 5-4 (OT) overtime victory over the Aurora Tigers on a clutch goal by Michael Morgan.
Morgan had two goals and one assist to lead North York. Morgan scored the first of his two goals at 6:34 into the first period to make the score 1-0 North York. Cameron Stajer assisted on the tally. Morgan's next tally made the score 5-4 North York with 19:00 left in overtime.
The Rangers' penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on three Aurora power plays. North York's offense rang up 37 shots on Aurora's net.
North York additionally got points from Matthew Whittaker, who also tallied one goal and one assist. Others who scored for North York included Ryan Takamatsu and Will Reilly, who scored one goal each. Other players who recorded assists for North York were Gabriel Valenzuela, who had two and Jeremy Szabo, Ted Hunt, and Zachary Fung, who contributed one each.
The Tigers' defense let in more goals than it usually has this year. Aurora averages 2.2 goals allowed per game.
The Tigers were led by Nicholas Erb, who racked up two goals and one assist. Erb scored the first of his two goals at 7:01 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Drake Board picked up the assist. Erb's next tally made the score 4-3 Aurora with 9:40 left in the third period. Nolan Dunn assisted on the tally. Aurora also got points from Jordan DaSilva, who also registered one goal and one assist. Aurora also got a goal from Johnny Curran as well. In addition, Aurora received assists from Daniel Mantenuto, Marty Lawlor, and Mitchell Duggan, who each chipped in one.
The Rangers' Gianluca Baggetta stopped 26 shots out of the 30 that he faced. North York incurred 16 minutes in penalty time with three minors. Andy Munroe made 32 saves for Aurora on 37 shots. The Tigers incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with seven minors. For Aurora, Michael Longato was ejected from the game.
