BLIND RIVER, Ont. – An early Eidan McCartney marker, moments into overtime, lifted the Greater Sudbury Cubs over the Blind River Beavers 3-2 Saturday evening in Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League preseason play at Blind River Community Centre.
Greater Sudbury scored first as well of a nice rush up-ice by Samuel Assinewai, who fired a feed in front from the left wing that was redirected by Mason Walker, past Blind River starter Connor Dunham-Fox at 11:50.
Answering with an equalizer, a sharp stretch pass sent Jack Kruiderink in alone on a breakaway where he snapped a shot by the pad of Cubs’ netminder Matthew Vahramian.
Retaking the lead early in the middle session, Assinewai picked up his second assist of the evening as he snagged a turnover and started a mini two-on-one that was guided in by Cameron Shanks.
Remaining 2-1 Cubs into the final frame, Blind River drew level with 2:25 to go in regulation to force OT as Clark Furman finished off a two-on-one with Owen King.
In extra time, Greater Sudbury wasted little time to win it as Mason Chitaroni cruised into the Beavers zone down the right wall and put a pass into the crease that was steered in by McCartney, just 18 seconds in, to end it.
Greater Sudbury will kick off the 2024-25 NOJHL campaign as they host the Soo Thunderbirds Thursday at 7:05 p.m., while Blind River welcomes the Hearst Lumberjacks Friday at 7 p.m.
