Rawn the hero as Wildcats edge Eagles in OT

NORTHERN ONTARIO JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE

NOJHL NETWORK MEDIA UPDATE

Release Date: Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016

Rawn the hero as Wildcats edge Eagles in OT

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Curtis Rawn’s third goal of the game 26 seconds into overtime lifted the Elliot Lake Wildcats to a 5-4 come from behind victory over the Soo Eagles Saturday in a Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League encounter at Pullar Stadium.

Like they did the night previously in a home game against Rayside-Balfour the Michigan-based Eagles came out flying to grab an early lead.

In Saturday’s affair Sault Ste. Marie struck three times before the contest was 15 minutes old as Jacob Smith scored during a man advantage while Jake Cimarusti and Tait Aptakin converted at even strength as they all found the back of the net for the hosts.

Elliot Lake did get one back before the first was over thanks to Ty Hannaford’s effort at 15:44.

The Wildcats tacked on two more in the second stanza to level the proceedings at 3-3 courtesy of tallies by Rawn, on the power play, and Troy Button.

Action in the third saw Elliot Lake take their first lead of the night at 3:04 as Rawn collected his second goal of the night.

The Eagles forced extra time with just over seven minutes left in regulation as Cimarusti connected on the power play.

Rawn then capped off his big night by finishing off his hat trick early in OT to finish off the comeback for the visitors.

He also had an assist for a four-point night while teammate Dave Elford chipped in with two helpers.

William Casey dished out two assists apiece for the Soo.

Justin Richer picked up the win making 12 saves in relief for Elliot Lake after he came in to replace starter Matt Kostiw in the first who had four stops.

Justin Gillis helped his club earn a point with the OT setback seeing 32 shots fired his way.