The Summerside D. Alex MacDonald Ford Western Capitals’ rookie forward from Tignish was credited with two goals and an assist as the Capitals beat the Campbellton Tigers 5-2 in a penalty-filled home opener in the MHL (Maritime Junior Hockey League).
Early Scoring
Before 1,040 fans at Eastlink Arena, Campellton jumped out to a 2-0 lead before the halfway mark of the first period.
“We got off to a bad start, but we stayed with it,” said Capitals associate coach Thomas Waugh. “We were happy getting out of the first period 2-2.”
Shea and Morgan MacDonald tied the game before the end of the first period.
Hot Streak
Josh Pugsley (1-2), Sebastien Cormier (1-1) and Shea scored in the middle frame to send the Caps into the second intermission up 5-2.
Opportunities
Campbellton gained traction in the third period, but was unable to capitalize and solve Caps goaltender Matt Williams, who stopped 21 of 23 shots.
“I don’t think we gave them much of anything after that,” said Waugh. “Again there were a lot of penalties, but I think we’re all really happy with how we played.”
Key Players
Waugh praised the play of the 18-year-old Shea.
“He was hard on pucks, winning all the battles, his compete level is through the roof,” said Waugh. “Matt Williams, our goalie, settled in pretty good after the first couple of shots, and our defence probably had the best game of the year too. They were strong.”
Waugh added: “We haven’t played very many games. We’re only three weeks into the season, so we’re happy to get back on the ice in front of a great crowd and really felt they were behind us.”
Play in front of family
After the game, Shea said it’s great being able to play in front of family.
“There’s a lot of people that are supporting me, and they’ve always been here for me,” said Shea, who was happy to break out offensively. “I was just trying to put it in the back of the net. It’s been a monkey on my back.”
Shea was credited with two goals, although he said his second goal actually belonged to teammate Marc-Andre Lecouffe.
“I actually only scored one goal and had two assists, Lecouffe actually got it,” admitted Shea. “I really tried to battle hard and get the pucks low and cycle.”
Three stars
The game’s three stars were:
1. TJ Shea (Caps), 2. Sebstien Cormier (Caps), 3. Josh Pugsley (Caps).
