Blind River holds off Kirkland Lake with 5-3 win

BLIND RIVER, Ont. – The Blind River Beavers built up a three-goal lead then held off a determined Kirkland Lake Gold Miners squad before eventually prevailing by a 5-3 count Sunday afternoon in Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League action at the Blind River Community Centre.

First period play saw the Beavers get the early jump on late goals 57 seconds apart by Jack Rudin and Dylan McMahon.

Jack Sampson upped the home side’s cushion a minute and a half into the middle session before newcomer Damian Carigni collected his initial NOJHL tally at 9:19 of the frame.

Gregory Trudeau-Paquet continued his strong offensive presence since joining the Gold Miners from the French River Rapids earlier in the week with a marker 45 seconds into the third period as part of a three-point day to make it a 3-2 game.

Owen Robinson’s 15th of the season put Blind River back up by two at 6:42 only to see Caragni notch his second of the contest three and a half minutes later.

It stayed 4-3 Beavers until late in regulation when Josh Norman secured the decision with an empty netter at 19:18 to wrap things up.

Caleb Serre and Max Khull dished out two assists apiece to aid the Blind River offensive cause.

Michael Corson made 38 saves to record the victory in net for the Beavers.

Cade McEwen started for Kirkland Lake and allowed two against on 15 attempts in one period of work while Ryan Winter suffered the loss in relief as he handled 26 of the 28 attempts he saw along the way.