SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Powassan Voodoos defenceman Dayton Murray continued his torrid point pace early in the season by notching a pair of power play blasts and finishing off a hat trick into an empty net to help lead his squad over the Soo Eagles 5-3 Friday in Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League action at Pullar Stadium.
The Voodoos took a 2-1 lead after one period of play in this one with Harrison Israels, at even strength, and Murray, during a man advantage, connecting for the visitors while Christian Bardarson countered on a power play effort for the Eagles.
Action in the second stanza saw the two sides trade extra man tallies as Murray struck for Powassan while Kyle Quinn did likewise for Sault Ste. Marie.
In the third C.J. Banser brought the Eagles to within one with his first as a member of the club at 7:06.
However Israels added some insurance with 7:41 to go while Murray capped off his three-goal night with the late empty netter to round out the scoring.
Shane Beaulieu chipped in with two assists for Powassan.
Murray now leads the NOJHL in goals, power play markers and points with five, four and eight respectively heading into game action Saturday.
Shayne Battler made 31 stops to post the win for the Voodoos while Shane Brancato saw 20 shots in the loss for the Eagles.