Lockhart Records 150th Career Point as Petes Fall Just Short in North Bay
Looking to make it three wins in a row, the Petes kicked off their last northern road trip of the season in North Bay on Thursday night to wrap up the season series against the Battalion. The Battalion have had the Petes number this season, outscoring the Maroon and White 9-2 en route to a 3-0 record. Although the overall scoreline seems one sided, all of the games were closer than they seem, with North Bay’s first two wins being 3-1 with an empty net goal. J.R. Avon returned to the Petes lineup on Thursday, looking to make an impact and break Peterborough’s losing streak against the Battalion.
The first period started off slow for the Maroon and White, with their bus legs showing early. Seven minutes into the game, North Bay would strike first with a goal by Kyle Jackson to take a 1-0 lead. The Petes wouldn’t let the goal get to them and played hard for the next 10 minutes, starting to control the game. With just under three minutes left in the period, Owen Beck finished a give and go from Avery Hayes to tie the game at 1-1. The Petes weren’t done there. Just a minute and a half later, Tucker Robertson cleaned up a rebound on the powerplay to give the Petes a 2-1 lead late in the period. Connor Lockhart picked up an assist on the goal for his 150th career OHL point. The Petes would take the 2-1 lead into the second period, also leading 17-10 in shots.
The second period would see both goalies take centre stage early, with Michael Simpson and Dom DiVincentiis making some big saves. The game would start to sway in North Bay’s direction eight minutes in, when Liam Arnsby scored to tie the game at 2-2. The Battalion would add another quick goal just three minutes later to take the lead. Just when it looked like North Bay was in control, Konnor Smith fired home a shot from the point to tie the game at 3-3. With the goal, the game would enter the final 20 minutes all tied up.
The third period would see a battle from the drop of the puck, with both teams looking to take the lead. Unfortunately for the Petes, North Bay would be the ones to strike first on a goal by Kyle McDonald. The Petes pushed hard all period, but would not be able to beat DiVincentiis. The Battalion added an empty netter with 10 seconds left to seal the 5-3 win.
Owen Beck led the way for the Petes with a goal and an assist, while Sam Mayer and Avery Hayes both added two assists. Konnor Smith scored and Connor Lockhart picked up an assist for his 150th career OHL point. Michael Simpson stopped 37/42 in the loss.
The Petes are back in action on Friday night in Sudbury when they wrap up the season series against the Sudbury Wolves. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 PM. Fans can catch the game on CHL TV and Freq 90.5.
