SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — Connor Morrissey held the hot stick as the Arsenault’s Fish Mart Western Red Wings opened the 2019 Island Junior Hockey League post-season on a winning note Friday night.
The Red Wings spotted the host Eastern Maniacs a 2-0 first-period lead, before roaring back with seven unanswered goals en route to a 7-2 decision. The first-place Red Wings will now regain home-ice advantage by hosting the next two games at the Evangeline Recreation Centre in Abram-Village. Game 2 is Sunday at 2:15 p.m., and Game 3 is scheduled for Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
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At the Eastern Kings Sportsplex in Souris, Morrissey netted a hat trick and team captain Chasse Gallant, the league’s top point-getter in the regular season, collected three assists to lead the Red Wings.
Alex Morrissey (1-1), Austin Taylor, Spencer Groom and affiliated player Carter Cahill added single tallies. Isaac Knox (2), Calvin McRae, Silas Handrahan, Isaac Callaghan and Lucas Beaulieu chipped in with helpers.
Nick Steele and Eddie Jenkins found the back of the net for the fourth-place Maniacs. Mike MacGregor, Jake MacLaren, Tyson McInnis and Dawson Palmer were credited with assists.
The Maniacs were in front 2-1 after 20 minutes, but the Red Wings took a 4-2 advantage into the second intermission.
Winning goaltender Bronson Banks stopped 28 of 30 shots. Noah Laybolt also faced 30 shots in Eastern’s goal.
