The Carman Beavers came up short in a closely contested South Eastern Manitoba Hockey League game Saturday night, dropping a 5-2 decision to the Springfield Winterhawks.
After a scoreless first period, Springfield struck twice early in the second to take control before Carman responded with a pair of quick goals to even the score. AJ Nychuk opened the Beavers’ scoring at 5:12, finishing a play set up by Dean Gorchynski and Jack Lotscher. Eric Klassen followed just over two minutes later, converting a pass from Lotscher to tie the game 2-2.
The Winterhawks regained the lead midway through the third period on a goal from Keith Grondin, which stood as the game-winner. Springfield sealed the result with two empty-net goals in the final minute.
Goaltender Luke Zacharias made 40 saves for Carman in the loss, while Springfield’s Ashton Howarth stopped 39 shots to earn the win. Special teams were scoreless on the night, with Carman going 0-for-3 on the power play and Springfield finishing 0-for-1.
The Beavers will look to rebound as league play continues in the South Eastern Manitoba Hockey League.
Carman is back on the road Saturday, Jan. 24, visiting Springfield for an 8 p.m. puck drop. The Beavers then return home Monday, Jan. 26, to host Portage in an 8 p.m. start.
Hawks Fall in overtime to Portage
The Notre Dame Hawks picked up a point but came up just short Saturday night, dropping a 3-2 overtime decision to the Portage Islanders in South Eastern Manitoba Hockey League action.
After a scoreless first period, Portage opened the scoring early in the second before the Hawks responded late in the frame. Jake Carels tied the game at 17:07, finishing a play set up by Sean Christensen and Karl Conrad.
The teams traded goals in the third period. Portage regained the lead just over a minute in before Roux Bazin answered for Notre Dame with a short-handed marker at 7:46, sending the game to overtime.
Portage’s Craig Fournier scored his second goal of the night at 2:10 of the extra frame to seal the win.
Goaltender Christopher Lesage made 39 saves for the Hawks in the overtime loss, while Portage netminder Jacob Gnidziejko turned aside 39 shots to earn the victory. Portage went 0-for-5 on the power play, while Notre Dame did not receive a man advantage.
Notre Dame returns to action later this week as SEMHL play continues.
The Hawks are on the road Friday, Jan. 23, visiting Warren for an 8 p.m. start, before travelling to Red River on Sunday, Jan. 25, for a 3 p.m. puck drop in South Eastern Manitoba Hockey League.
