ST. STEPHEN, N.B. – For the second game in a row, the Summerside D. Alex MacDonald Ford Western Capitals dug themselves an early hole they could not get out of.
The St. Stephen Aces struck for five first-period goals, and then scored two empty-net goals late in the third period for a 9-6 victory on Friday night. The Caps, who gave up four first-period goals in a 5-1 loss to the Yarmouth Mariners in their previous outing on Sept. 15, fell to 1-2 (won-lost) in the MHL (Maritime Junior Hockey League) regular season while the Aces improved to 1-1.
The Caps are back on the road Sunday in Miramichi for a 3 p.m. start against the Timberwolves (0-1), before hosting the Edmundston Blizzard (2-1) in their home opener at Eastlink Arena on Saturday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m.
Four-point night
Before 691 fans at the Garcelon Civic Centre, Zach Alchorn had two goals and two assists to lead the Aces. Adam Zimmerman (2), Liam Smith (1-1), Ryan MacDonald (1-1) and Ethan Stuckess also lit the lamp while Evan White (3), Patrick Musico, Michael Waugh, Leighton Holstein and Jack Morris added helpers.
TJ Shea scored four times and added an assist to lead the Caps while Brodie MacArthur (1-1) and Brodie MacMillan added single goals. Other helpers were credited to Noah Massie (3), Cameron Roberts, Colby MacArthur and Ed McNeill.
The Aces led 5-2 after 20 minutes, and took a 6-4 advantage into the second intermission.
Shawn Wiranata stopped 29 of 35 shots in earning the goaltending win. Summerside starter Dominik Tmej was pulled in the first period for the second game in a row after giving up four goals on 10 shots in 11:57 of action. Daniel Thompson allowed three goals on 19 shots in 46:17 of relief.
The game’s three stars were:
1. Zach Alchorn (Aces), 2. Ryan MacDonald (Aces), 3. TJ Shea (Caps).
