A Justin Rousseau marker, less than a minute into overtime, lifted the Powassan Voodoos to a narrow 2-1 win over the Soo Eagles Saturday in a hard-fought Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League affair at the Powassan Sportsplex.
The Voodoos took the lead 15 minutes into the match-up as Caden Dubreuil got around an Eagles’ defender then lifted a shot over netminder Jace Knoerle for his 10th tally of the season.
Moving to the middle frame, the Eagles pumped plenty of attempts on Wilcox, but could not convert to help Powassan carry their narrow 1-0 edge into the third period.
In the that session, the Eagles finally solved Wilcox on a power play with 5:20 to go in the period when Landon Stevens redirected in a low Gabriel Fisher attempt from the left point.
Heading to extra time in the goaltender’s battle, the Voodoos pulled out the victory as Dawson Coleman chipped a play ahead out of his own zone that allowed Rousseau to drive down the right wing, then dart to the middle where he whipped in the game-winner.
For the second time in a week, Tyson Wilcox was stellar playing against the Soo Eagles. He made 44 saves in the OT win. Last Saturday in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, Wilcox turned aside 46 shots in a 3-2 loss to the Eagles at the Pullar Stadium.
Voodoos managing injury bug
It was a big win for the Voodoos who played most of the game without leading scorer Cayden Kowal who left the game in the first period with an injury and forward Nathan Pelletier who left Friday's game early with an upper body injury was not dressed.
Big forward Jeremy Schoenborn also left the game in the third period with a lower body injury.
The Voodoos were also without three defenceman, Lucas de Caluwe, Ryan McCoy and Sam Rivet dealing with injuries while forward Heath Bradley did not dress due to illness.
The result moves Powassan’s record to 9-8-0-3.
Collecting a point in the setback, the Soo goes to 12-6-0-2.
