Lockport Regals victorious over Welland 4-3
“This may have been the best game our team played in the 5 years I have owned the franchise” stated Lockport Regals owner Mike Answeeney following the teams 4-3 victory over the Welland Jr Canadians last evening at the Cornerstone Arena in Lockport.
The Regals, hungry for their first win of the season came prepared to play as they battled hard in the first period. Although Welland drew first blood the Regals got on the board late in the period off the stick of AJ Marinelli. However, Welland notched their second of the period with seconds on the clock and skated off the ice with a 2-1 lead. The Regals outshot the Jr Canadians 19-9 in the period.
Unshaken, the team came out of the gate in the second all fired up from giving up that late goal and tied the score just 24 seconds in off the stick of Alex Stinis to tie the game. The Regals went ahead at 16:17 as Todd Smith registered his first goal of the season and the team never looked back. Although out shot 14-10 in the period, the Regals dominated the period in time of possession.
Nolan Slachetka scored 5 minutes into the 3rd period in what would be the winning goal. Welland came to within a goal at 9:07 but that was it and the Regals skated off with their first win of the regular season 4-3. The Regals outshot Welland 13-8 in the period. Anthony Santarosa was stellar in net for the Regals turning back 28 Welland shots.
“When we show up to play 3 periods of hockey, we can win in this league” stated Head Coach Jamie Bird. “Tonight we played all 3 periods and the boys earned the win”
Next up for the Regals are the undefeated Niagara Falls Canucks at 9-0. The Canucks boast the leagues top two scorers in Ben Evans (11g;16a) and Justin Kyle (6g-19a) as well as the best goal differental at +36. Face off is 7pm at the Gale Center in Niagara Falls. The team returns home to Cornerstone Arena next Wednesday October 17th when they host the Ft Erie Meteors.
Visit the Lockport Regals on line at: www.lockportregals.com
