Gryphins Win OT Thriller Against St. Catharines

The semi-final series between the Wentworth Gryphins and the St. Catharines Saints got off to a thrilling start Saturday night, with the teams trading leads through sixty minutes before Alex Hutchings ended it nine seconds into overtime, giving Wentworth a 4-3 victory and a 1-0 series lead.

Neither team gave an inch early on, with both starting goaltenders standing tall. The scoreboard remained blank until Kyle Lewis broke through at 16:50 of the first to give the Gryphins the lead.

The second period was a back-and-forth affair. Niki Petti tied the game just 18 seconds into the frame, before Elijah Roberts restored Wentworth's advantage nearly eight minutes later. St. Catharines answered again when Tory McLean knotted it at two with 2:33 remaining in the period — but Hutchings had the last word, potting his first of the night at 18:21 to send the Gryphins to the third with a one-goal lead.

The Saints weren't done. With 4:07 left in regulation, Brenden Morin converted a shorthanded tally to force overtime, sending the Merritton Centennial Arena crowd into a frenzy.

The extra frame barely had time to begin. Hutchings pounced just nine seconds in, ending the game before most fans had settled back into their seats following the intermission.

Matthew Camilleri was steady throughout for Wentworth, stopping 35 of 38 shots to earn the win. Trevor Micucci turned aside 31 shots in a gutsy performance for St. Catharines in the loss.

Game Two of the best-of-five series shifts to the Harry Howell Arena on Thursday, March 12th. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Upcoming Playoff Games
Thursday, March 12
St. Catharines at Wentworth – 7:30pm (Harry Howell Arena) Game #2

Friday, March 13
Stoney Creek at Dundas – 7:30pm (J.L. Grightmire Arena) Game #3

Saturday, March 14
Dundas at Stoney Creek – 6:30pm (Stoney Creek Arena) Game #4*
Wentworth at St. Catharines – 7:30pm (Merritton Centennial Arena) Game #3

Sunday, March 15
Dundas at Stoney Creek – 6:30pm (Stoney Creek Arena) Game #5*

Tuesday, March 17
St. Catharines at Wentworth – 7:30pm (Harry Howell Arena) Game #4*

Thursday, March 19
St. Catharines at Wentworth – 7:30pm (Harry Howell Arena) Game #5*

*If Necessary

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For more information contact Allan Cup Hockey Commissioner Rick Richardson at 905-328-4727 or email: rickystar911@outlook.com