Miller Celebrates 2000th Career Game as Petes Shutout Knights 3-0
Looking to turn the page on a tough end to last week, the Petes hosted the London Knights on Thursday for Faith and Family Night at the PMC. It was a milestone night for Petes Head Trainer/Equipment Manager Brian “BMan” Miller, who worked his 2000th career game. The accomplishment was celebrated before the game with a ceremony for Brian and his family. Both teams were looking to get back on track, with the Knights dropping four of their last six, and the Petes three of their last four.
The game started out fast paced, with a lot of back to back action early. Michael Simpson would stand tall for the first 10 minutes, turning away multiple London scoring chances. The score would stay deadlocked at zero until the final quarter of the period. At the 15:59 mark, Avery Hayes slapped a puck that would be picked up by Brennan Othmann for a breakaway. Othmann would pull his signature backhand-five hole move on Knights goalie Brett Brochu to give the Petes a 1-0 lead. The Petes would take that 1-0 lead into the break, with London leading 10-8 in shots.
The second period saw a number of chances for both teams, but both goalies would be up to the task. The Petes best opportunity in the period was a shorthanded breakaway by Avery Hayes, but Brett Brochu made a great save to keep him off the board. The game would stay 1-0 Petes heading into the third, with shots all tied up at 20-20.
The third period would finally see some more goals on the scoreboard. Halfway through the final 20, Avery Hayes ripped a beautiful shot past Brochu to extend the Petes lead to 2-0. With the knights pressing and on the powerplay late in the game, Hayes picked up the puck and found the back of the London net from the Petes end, putting the icing on the cake for a 3-0 Petes win. The goal was Hayes’ 32nd of the season, putting him in sole possession of third place for the OHL lead.
Avery Hayes led the way for the Petes with two goals and an assist on the night. Brennan Othmann scored and Tucker Robertson, Connor Lockhart, Konnor Smith, and Michael Simpson all had an assist. Michael Simpson was unbeatable on the night, stopping all 35 shots he faced for his league leading third shutout of the season.
The Petes are back in action on Sunday, January 29, when they host the Hamilton Bulldogs at the PMC for Billet Appreciation Day. Puck drop is scheduled for 2:05 PM. You can purchase tickets by clicking here, or by contacting the PMC Grant Thornton Box Office in person or at (705) 743-3561.
