Burlington erases deficit to stun Toronto Patriots, 4-3
(pictured - Burlington's Willy Paul notched a pair of points as the Cougars shocked the Patriots 4-3 - photo credit: Shawn Muir/OJHL Images)
The Burlington Cougars climbed out of a two-goal hole to beat the Toronto Patriots, 4-3.
Burlington never led in the game until netting the game winner. The Cougars fell behind 2-0 after a goal by Toronto Patriots' Jacob Hayhurst at 8:05 in the first period. Burlington knotted things up at 3-3 on a goal by Jack Jeffers at 7:55 in the second period. The Cougars netted the game winner at 8:57 in the third period on a goal by Jeffers.
Burlington was paced by Louis Vlahakis, who registered one goal.
Burlington additionally got points from Willy Paul, who also tallied one goal and one assist, Steve Mariani, who also grabbed one goal and one assist, and Jeffers, who also had one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. In addition, Burlington received assists from David Thomson, Kyle West, Spencer Herbst, and Dante Felicetti, who contributed one each.
The Patriots kept the Cougars' goalie busy throughout the game, and Joe Noonan made 40 saves on 43 shots.
Toronto Patriots was helped by Nicholas Ursitti, who finished with one goal. Ursitti scored 6:05 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Toronto Patriots. Nicholas Geiser provided the assist. Toronto Patriots also got points from Hayhurst, who also finished with one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Nathan Feric also scored for Toronto Patriots. More assists for Toronto Patriots came via Mario Ferraro, Brett Markham, Niko Kovachis, and Quinn Syrydiuk, who each chipped in one.
Burlington finished the contest with no penalties and went 0-for-0 with the man advantage. Mathew Robson recorded 21 saves for the Patriots. Toronto Patriots ended with no penalties and went 0-for-1 on the power play.
