UXBRIDGE: Through the opening three games, the Provincial Junior Hockey League (PJHL), Orr Division Cougar Cup semifinal series between the Uxbridge Bruins and Clarington Eagles has seen high-flying offence from both sides, as well as a stout defensive play.
The action opened on Thursday, February 20th in Bowmanville, with the Bruins roaring into the series after a dramatic comeback victory over Little Britain in the preliminary round. The Eagles had been idle for more than a week after finishing in first place in the regular-season standings.
Hayden Lambert opened the scoring less than four minutes into the action, giving Uxbridge an early lead. However, as the game wore on, the Eagles found their wings, scoring five consecutive goals to take Game 1 by a score of 5 to 2, with Brendan Reid adding a late goal for the Bruins.
Less than 24 hours later, the Bruins would roar back in convincing fashion, on Friday night at the Bear Den, mauling the Eagles by a score of 10 to 4.
A Josh Cammalleri powerplay goal just over a minute into the game gave Uxbridge an early lead. Though Clarington would tie the game midway through the first period, Spencer Mazakian quickly restored Uxbridge’s advantage.
Early in the second period, the Eagles once again tied the game before the Uxbridge offence exploded for seven straight goals to take a commanding lead. Justin Bennett scored twice with singles from Mazakian, Cammalleri, Andronique Stepanian, Toby Cooper and Daniel Giorgio.
After much of the damage was done, Clarington closed the gap slightly with a pair of third-period goals. Mazakian was able to seal his hat trick with a late goal to round out the scoring for the Bruins.
With the series knotted at one game apiece, the Eagles regained control of the best-of-seven affair with a 5 to 0 victory on Sunday afternoon.
Game 4 was scheduled to be played at the Bear Den on Wednesday evening (after The Standard’s press deadline). Game 5 is set for Thursday evening in Bowmanville. If needed, Game 6 will be played Friday night at 7:45 p.m. at the Bear Den, and Game 7 is scheduled to be played in Bowmanville on Sunday, March 1st at 1:20 p.m., if necessary.
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