Golden Hawks tighten grip on series

Tim Bates / OJHL Images

Isaiah Shantz helped put the finishing touches on another strong night for the Trenton Golden Hawks on Tuesday at the Duncan McDonald Memorial Community Gardens.

The alternate captain scored into an empty net in the final minute as Trenton defeated the Lindsay Muskies 5–2.

The win gives the Golden Hawks a 3–0 lead in their best-of-seven first-round playoff series.

Lindsay opened the scoring in the first period when defenceman Cole MacLean found the back of the net, but the lead was short-lived. Regular-season scoring champion Taeo Artichuk tied the game with his first of the playoffs.

After missing the first two games of the series, the overage forward wasted little time getting back on the scoresheet in his return to the lineup.

“It was great to have him back,” Shantz said. “He brings a lot of skill and speed to our lineup, so it’s good to see him back.”

Trenton took the lead later in the period when Lucas Di Giantommaso scored on the power play, to put the Golden Hawks ahead 2–1.

The momentum carried into the second period. Just over a minute into the frame, Joey Brehmer extended the lead with his first playoff goal to make it 3–1.

Lindsay responded during a two-man advantage when Ethan Kindree capitalized on a 5-on-3 opportunity to make it 3-2 heading into the intermission.

The Muskies pushed late in the third period, calling a timeout with 1:42 remaining before pulling their goaltender for an extra attacker. Instead, captain Thomas Kuipers found the empty net before Shantz added another moments later to put the game out of reach.

“It means a lot to be out there at the end of games,” Shantz said. “I pride myself on my responsibility and defensive ability. Being trusted in those situations means a lot.”

Veteran defenceman Duncan Schneider led the way offensivly with four assists, while Hayden Jeffery made 28 saves in the win.

Rookie forward Logan Bennett and all-star defenceman Andrew Wycisk both did not dress for the contest.

Game 4 is scheduled for Friday night at the Lindsay Recreation Complex, where Trenton will look to close out the series.

“The fourth win is always the hardest,” Shantz said. “We’ve got a couple of practices before Friday, so it’s just about making sure everyone’s dialed in.”