Saxton strikes late as Eagles upend Express

NORTHERN ONTARIO JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE

NOJHL NETWORK MEDIA UPDATE

Release Date: Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016

Saxton strikes late as Eagles upend Express

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Jake Saxton’s 12th goal of the season, coming with just 56 seconds left in regulation, was the difference maker as the Soo Eagles upended the Espanola Express 4-3 in a free-wheeling Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League affair Wednesday evening at Pullar Stadium.

It was a battle of goaltenders through one period of play, in which Eagles starter Kade Phipps and Express netminder Logan Sawka combined to make a multitude of saves totalling 43 in all to keep the contest scoreless.

Espanola opening the scoring 25 seconds into middle stanza as Cameron Anklewich collected his sixth marker of the campaign.

Sault Ste. Marie drew level seven minutes later compliments of Chris Lutz only to see Martin Lavigne put the Express back on top midway through the frame.

The back and forth contest saw the Eagles tie it for a second time at 11:19 of the third with Adam Ostrowski knotting the score at 2-2.

Joshua Zlatinszky once again put the visitors back in front with 9:04 remaining, but up a man the home side levelled the proceedings yet again as Nate Harris converted on a man advantage opportunity for the Soo at 14:20.

Then, with overtime looming, it was Saxton who sent the Pullar Stadium faithful home happy in the final minute with his first game-winning goal in an Eagles’ uniform.

Both Phipps and Sawka were busy throughout in a contest that saw the Eagles outshoot the Express 55-43 overall.