Canadians retain first despite OT loss

Posted Feb 2, 2012 By EMC News

EMC Sports - A win and overtime loss on the weekend has kept the Carleton Place Canadians a first-place team.

However, their lead in the Central Canada Junior A Hockey League Robinson Division over Cornwall has dwindled to one point after the Colts pulled out a 3-2 overtime win Sunday in Carleton Place.

The Canadians won a team record 36th game Friday with a 3-1 victory over Cumberland.

Dan Kolenda, Jay Llewelyn and Ben Murphy into an empty net scored in the win over Cumberland, in the opener of a three-game homestand.

The Canadians dominated the first period, outshooting the Grads 15-6 and outscoring them 2-1. The second period belonged to Cumberland, as Carleton Place was outshot 12-4. The Grads fired another 13 shots in the third period, but could not solve Joe Yetman in the Canadians net.

Shayne Morrissey had two assists for the winners to give him 80 points for the season.

In the Sunday afternoon showdown with Cornwall, the Canadians outshot the Colts 52-26, but were unable to capitalize more than twice against Lukas Hafner in the opposition net.

All the pre-overtime scoring was done in the second period, with the Canadians rebounding twice from one-goal deficits. Luke Martin and Mac Olson were the Carleton Place scorers.

In overtime, Olson was whistled for boarding at 3:36, Carleton Place's first penalty of the game.

It took Cornwall 43 seconds to take advantage. Kyle Baun scored his second goal of the game to give the Colts the win.

Tyson Spink set up both of Baun's goals.

Carleton Place's record now stands at 36-11-2, good for 74 points.

Cornwall is one point behind with a 34-10-2-3 record. Brockville is a close third with 71 points.

While the Canadians are in a dog fight for first in the lead in the Robinson Division, they have officially clinched a playoff spot.

The Canadians lead the league with 222 goals, paced by Morrissey who is second in the scoring race, 17 points behind Craig Cowie of Nepean. Dustin Darou is third in scoring by defenceman with 41 points.

The Canadians complete their home stand by hosting the defending champion Pembroke Lumber Kings this Friday, Feb. 3 at 7:45 p.m.

The Canadians play eight of their final 13 games at home.