LAURIE WEIR
The Smiths Falls Bears clawed out a 4–3 win over the Pembroke Lumber Kings on Friday night to take a 2–1 lead in their best-of-seven CCHL first-round playoff series.
Quinn Booth was the hero for the hometown Bears, potting the game-winner at 16:28 of the third period in front of 470 fans at the Smiths Falls Memorial Centre. Booth, who also opened the scoring in the first, finished the night with two goals. Both markers came off plays with linemates Tyson Parker and Travis Ouellette.
Pembroke’s Maverick Hayes replied with a pair of goals, including the first-period equalizer and a go-ahead tally early in the second to give the Kings a 2–1 edge.
That lead didn’t last long. Less than two minutes later, Chris Cardillo tied things up for Smiths Falls, banging one home off a feed from Kyle James at 1:30 of the middle frame. Jackson Heron put the Bears back in front before the second intermission, capitalizing on a turnover and scoring unassisted to make it 3–2.
Pembroke wasn’t done yet. Rowan Casey evened it up again midway through the third, converting a setup from Brody Simpson and Hayes at 15:30.
But just 58 seconds later, Booth struck again to seal it for Smiths Falls.
Ethan Morrow earned the win between the pipes for the Bears, turning aside 32 shots. Michael Modelski stopped 31 for the Lumber Kings in the loss.
Booth, Hayes and Ouellette were named the game’s three stars.
Game 6 is set for Sunday in Pembroke at 2 p.m., weather permitting.
Around the league:
The Brockville Braves pulled ahead 3–2 in their series against Navan after a wild 9–7 win Friday night.
The Carleton Place Canadians swept Kemptville 73’s in four straight.
Rockland Nationals also made quick work of Cornwall, ousting the Colts in four.
