VIDEO / GALLERY: Powassan picks up narrow decision over Kirkland Lake

Photos: Powassan Voodoos

POWASSAN, Ont. –  A close-range power play marker from Jack Kelly midway through the third period proved to be the game-winner as the Powassan Voodoos prevailed 4-3 over the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners Friday night in a hard-fought Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League meeting at the Powassan Sportsplex.

The visiting Gold Miners struck first in the contest thanks to defenceman Nikolas Joniec whipping one through a maze of players from the point, during a man advantage, eight and a half minutes into the proceedings.

Coming back to tie it at 12:59, recently acquired Chase Thompson picked up his first for the Voodoos’ as he snapped one in from the slot.

Countering right off the draw, Kirkland Lake restored their lead seconds later off a two-on-one as Chance DeBolt held on to the puck and wired one from the left circle to give him three tallies on the campaign.

In the middle stanza, Powassan drew level with the only tally of the session as Rhys Smetham clicked with his side up a skater at 12:29 while finishing off a goal-mouth scramble with a short-distance backhand into an open side.

Taking their first lead of the night, the Voodoos went in front as Thompson appeared to tip in an Alex Little attempt from the blueline at 6:16.

However, the Gold Miners had another rapid response with Luca Maiuri scoring just 14 seconds later after teammate Taye Ladislao forced a turnover and fed him in helping beat netminder Kannon Flageolle.

Special teams helped Powassan regain the lead for good midway through the third when Kelly lifted one upstairs while parked to the right of the crease on an obstructed Braydon Garnhart.

Getting Garnhart out for an extra attacker late, Kirkland Lake pressed hard for an equalizer, but Flageolle and his teammates shut the door to secure the home ice triumph.

“Highlight of the Night” – NOJHL YouTube Channel