Almonte Thunder loses 8-2 to Arnprior Packers

Posted Jan 5, 2012 By Jeff Maguire

Almonte Thunder had a good start in their last game of the 2011 portion of the Junior B schedule Friday night. But after taking a 2-1 lead into the second period the visiting Thunder surrendered seven unanswered goals falling 8-2 to Valley Division leading Arnprior Packers.

Friday's game was the only Valley contest on New Year's weekend. Despite the loss Almonte (10-12-3-1) remained three points ahead of Renfrew Timberwolves and Stittsville Royals. Thunder, who trails second place Perth by nine points, holds three games in hand on both Wolves and Royals and four on Perth.

Recently arrived defenceman Kane Abbis-Mills, a Mississippi Mills resident, opened scoring with his first goal in three games for Almonte. It came on a powerplay at 1:21 of the opening period.

Mitch Parker, with his first of two, tied it just four minutes, 18 seconds later.

Thunder regained the lead when veteran forward Aaron MacCosham scored unassisted at 9:14 of the first. MacCosham also earned an assist on Abbis-Mills early goal as did Valley scoring leader Derek Lowry who reached 62 points, the fourth best total in the EOJHL.