Photos: Helene Rancourt
BLIND RIVER, Ont. – An Ethan Larmand marker just over 12 minutes into the match-up, held up as the game-winner, as the Greater Sudbury Cubs went on to defeat the Blind River Beavers 3-1 Thursday in Game 5 of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League’s West Division Final at the Blind River Community Centre.
With the result, Greater Sudbury takes the best-of-seven series 4-1 and moves on to play for the NOJHL championship, against either the Timmins Rock or Powassan Voodoos.
A solid start for the visiting Cubs saw them strike twice in the opening frame.
Cameron Walker got Greater Sudbury going at 6:37 as he got by a Blind River defender and managed to chip a deflected puck up over goaltender Noah Tegelaar.
Adding another, Larmand put the guests up by a pair as he stuffed in a pass across the top of the crease from teammate Mason Chitaroni.
Heading to the second stanza, the Beavers got one back deep into a man advantage as an open Michael Gallagher whipped a shot past Cubs’ netminder Noah Metivier from the high slot.
Third period play saw the score remain the same into the late going when Blind River got their goalie out for an extra attacker in an attempt to force overtime.
However, Oliver Smith iced it for Greater Sudbury with an empty netter in the waning moments to punch their ticket to the league final.
NOJHL West Final
Greater Sudbury Cubs vs. Blind River Beavers
Greater Sudbury wins best-of-seven series 4-1
Game 1: Cubs 2 Beavers 1
Game 2: Beavers 6 Cubs 2
Game 3: Cubs 5 Beavers 1
Game 4: Cubs 9 Beavers 2
Game 5: Cubs 3 Beavers 1
