Richards sets up 3 as Blind River drops Espanola

BLIND RIVER, Ont. – The Blind River Beavers picked up three assists from defenceman Nick Richards to help them earn a 4-1 decision over the Espanola Express Saturday in Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League action at the Blind River Community Centre.

A night after spoiling Espanola’s home opener with a 6-4 win Friday, Blind River got a couple of first period goals to help send them on their way to a second straight triumph over the Express.

Caleb Serre’s fourth of the young season got things going for the Beavers at 16:35 of the first before teammate Max Khull connected on the power play just over two minutes later to make it 2-0.

Action in the middle stanza saw Blind River strike shorthanded midway through the frame with Hunter Lammi securing his initial league tally while his club was down a man at 9:43.

Espanola cut into the deficit half way through the third as Henry Laukkanen connected for the Express for a second time in as many outings.

However Richards doled out his third helper of the night with 2:36 left in regulation helping set up Steven Khull for some insurance and round out the scoring for Blind River.

Owen Robinson chipped in with a couple of assists for the Beavers in the triumph.

Garret Boyonoski was called up to make 21 stops to record the win for the home side.

Jacob Hutchings saw 42 shots fired his way in defeat for Espanola.