Gryphins Play Spoilers For Second Straight Night

A night after denying the Dundas Real McCoys from clinching a playoff spot, the Wentworth Gryphins did it again on Friday, edging out the Cambridge Hornets 6-5 and keeping them from securing a postseason berth — for now. Matt MacLeod was the offensive catalyst in the contest, scoring three times and adding an assist.

Cambridge got on the board first when Taylor Doherty netted his fourth goal of the season just over six minutes in, before Kolton Maguire made it 2-0 for the home side at 9:02. MacLeod got Wentworth on the board before the buzzer, cutting the deficit in half to send the teams to the intermission at 2-1.

MacLeod evened the game at two on the power play just over eight minutes into the second period. Just 14 seconds later, Eric Diodati gave the Gryphins their first lead of the night. MacLeod then extended the advantage to two with his second power-play goal of the game, completing the hat trick. Owen England pulled Cambridge back within one with 2:50 remaining in the middle frame.

Wentworth wasted no time reclaiming their two-goal cushion in the third, with Tyler VanKleef potting his 13th of the season just 54 seconds in. Kevin Dallman followed at 3:04 with what proved to be the game winner. England scored his second of the night to give his squad a chance at a comeback, and a late power-play goal from Brett Wilson — his 12th of the year — pulled the Hornets within one, but the tally came with just 13 seconds left in regulation, and Cambridge couldn't find the equalizer.

In net, Matthew Camilleri was steady throughout, turning aside 19 shots to earn the win. Mason Kameka took the loss for Cambridge, allowing six goals on 36 shots.

With the victory, the Gryphins move to within two points of the Stoney Creek Tigers for top spot in the standings, setting up a pivotal home-and-home series between the two clubs to close out the regular season. Wentworth will host Thursday night at the Harry Howell Arena with a 7:30 p.m. puck drop, before the Tigers return the favour on Saturday at the Stoney Creek Arena at 6:30 p.m.

As for the Hornets, they can still clinch a playoff spot without playing another game this weekend — but they'll need the Stoney Creek Tigers to defeat the St. Catharines Saints on Saturday for both Cambridge and Dundas to claim the final two postseason berths. The Hornets close out their regular season on Saturday, February 28th when they travel to St. Catharines to face the Saints at 7:30 p.m.

Upcoming Games
Saturday February 21
Stoney Creek at St. Catharines – 7:30pm

Thursday February 26
Stoney Creek at Wentworth – 7:30pm

Friday February 27
St. Catharines at Dundas – 7:30pm

Saturday February 28
Wentworth at Stoney Creek – 6:30pm
Cambridge at St. Catharines – 7:30pm

-- End of Regular Season --

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