Hayes Hits 200 Career OHL Points as Petes Lose Heart Breaker in Sudbury

Just 24 hours after a tough loss to the North Bay Battalion in North Bay, the Petes traveled to Sudbury to take on the Wolves for the final time this season. The Petes were looking to even the season series at 2-2, while also holding on to fourth place in the Eastern Conference with a win in Sudbury. It was a major milestone watch for both Avery Hayes (199 career points) and Brennan Othmann (99 career assists), with both players looking to make an impact in the game.

The first period would see both teams go back and forth with neither team clearly dominating the play. The Petes PK would be on full display, killing off three penalties in the period to keep the game scoreless. Michael Simpson stopped 17 shots in the first 20 to keep Sudbury off the board. Overall, the period would end 0-0 with Sudbury leading 17-13 in shots.

After a scoreless first, both teams came out firing in the second, looking to be the first team to break the deadlock. Seven minutes into the period, Sudbury would strike first on a goal from David Goyette to give the Wolves a 1-0 lead. Under a minute later, Sudbury struck again to take a quick 2-0 lead. The Petes refused to let the Wolves run away with the game, and on a powerplay in the final third of the period, Tommy Purdeller tipped home an Owen Beck shot to make it a 2-1 game. Avery Hayes picked up an assist on the goal for his 200th OHL point. That would be all the Petes would be able to pick up in the second, and the game would go to the final frame with Sudbury leading 2-1.

The third period would see Sudbury increase their lead to 3-1 just two minutes in. Desperately trying to cut down the two goal deficit, Peterborough would finally get one back halfway through the period. At the 8:58 mark, Avery Hayes ripped a shot past Kevyn Brassard to cut Sudbury’s lead to 3-2. The Maroon and White would do everything they could to tie it up, but would fall short with Sudbury taking the game 3-2.

Avery Hayes led the way for the Petes with a goal and an assist on the night. Tommy Purdeller scored, while Owen Beck and Jonathan Melee added an assist. Michael Simpson stopped 30/33 in the loss. 

The Petes are back in action in St. Catharines on Sunday afternoon for a matinee matchup against the Niagara IceDogs. Puck drop is scheduled for 2:00 PM. Fans can catch the game on YourTV Peterborough and Freq 90.5.