Powassan earns narrow 3-2 win in Espanola

A Tyler Brunet tally nearly six minutes into the third period held up as the game-winner as the Powassan Voodoos went on the edge the Espanola Paper Kings 3-2 in Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League play Sunday at the Regional Recreation Complex.

A nice beginning for the Paper Kings saw them take the lead early in the matchup as Colton Loiselle finished off a three-way passing play with Joseph Coates and Jason Galante, right after a face-off, in beating Voodoos’ netminder Derrick Champagne.

The assist for Coates gives him points in nine consecutive contests.

Coming back to even it up 3:57 into the second stanza, Powassan’s Ryan Saginaw fed a pass back to the right point, after they won a draw, and saw Devran Brown whip one in from up top for his first career NOJHL goal.

Going in front in the final moments of the frame on an odd-man rush, Benjamin Coupal batted in a puck put towards the crease from Braeden Begley to reach the 20-goal plateau on the season at 19:54.

The Voodoos then went up 3-1 when Brunet whipped in a second opportunity that eluded Espanola goaltender Cameron Millar.

Making it 3-2 midway through the final frame, Callum Millar collected his 11th as he flew down the left wing and while driving hard to the net, neatly tucked in a backhand on Champagne.

Then after handling a late Espanola man advantage, Powassan also held firm from there to collect the road victory.

With the outcome, the Voodoos raise their record to 34-13-1-2 and in defeat, the Paper Kings fall to 26-20-1-2.