The Matrix defeated the visiting Kings County Kings 5-1, and the Alberton-based Regals posted a 5-4 road decision over the Pownal Red Devils.
Matrix 5 Kings 1
At Community Gardens in Kensington, Matt Dickieson (2-2), Tyler Sark (2) and Spencer McAllister dented the twine for the third-place Matrix, who improved to 17-8-4 (won-lost-ties). Ben Keefe (3), Ryan Murray, James Murphy, Evan Noonan and Jacob Stewart set up the goals.
Tanner Nicholson, assisted by Jordan Roche and John Duncan, answered for the Kings (6-18-5).
The teams were tied 1-1 after the first period, and the Matrix led 3-1 after the second.
Alex Smith and Cameron Visser shared the goaltending win.
The Matrix picked up three of the game’s five minor penalties.
Regals 5 Red Devils 4
At the Pownal Sports Centre, Nathan Handrahan’s goal 5:47 into the third period snapped a 4-4 tie and lifted the fourth-place Regals over the league-leading Red Devils.
Brett Aylward (2), Jason Gallant and Robbie Fraser also scored for the Regals (14-11-4). Will Stewart (2), Drake Smallman (2), Jason Gallant (2), Handrahan and Brendon Smith added assists.
Curtis Martell (2), Jordan Hambly (1-2) and Alex Neuffer countered for the Red Devils (18-6-5). Other helpers were credited to Johnny MacKenzie (2), Zac Mella (2) and Harrison Hayden.
The Regals led 2-0 after the first period, but the teams went into the second intermission tied 4-4.
Winning goaltender was Rowgan Barbour.
The Regals were assessed two minor penalties while the Red Devils were whistled for three minors and one checking-from-behind game misconduct.
