ABRAM-VILLAGE, P.E.I. — Rookie Isaac Callaghan provided the offensive spark for the Western Red Wings in Game 1 of the Island Junior Hockey League final.
Callaghan scored two goals, including the game-winning tally in the final minute of the second period, in the Red Wings’ 3-1 decision over the Kensington Vipers at the Evangeline Recreation Centre.
The score was tied 1-1 after the first period, and it looked like the teams would enter the second intermission with the score unchanged. However, Callaghan made no mistake from the centre of the slot with 45 seconds remaining in the middle frame to give Western a 2-1 lead.
The score remained that way until the final minute of the game. Callaghan added an insurance goal on the power play with 56 seconds remaining after the Vipers were called for a hooking minor at Western’s blue-line with 1:11 remaining.
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Dawson McCormack opened the scoring for the Red Wings at 5:07 of the first period, and Kyle Pinksen answered right back for the Vipers at 6:12.
Another Red Wings’ rookie, Chandler Wood, contributed two assists while single helpers went to Calvin McRae, Isaac Knox, Silas Handrahan and Chasse Gallant. Riley Smith and Riley Gallant set up Kensington’s goal.
Overall, the Red Wings held a huge advantage in the shots-on-goal department – 48-24 – including 17-9 and 17-7 advantages in the first two periods. Winning goaltender Bronson Banks turned in some timely saves, and Caleb Coyle had a strong performance between the pipes to keep the Vipers in the game.
Each team was assessed five minor penalties.
The series resumes at Credit Union Centre in Kensington on Sunday at 7 p.m.
