The Soo Greyhounds overcame a sluggish performance to defeat the Kitchener Rangers 3-2 in overtime on Wednesday night at the GFL Memorial Gardens.
Despite trailing 2-1 after 40 minutes, the Greyhounds rallied in the third period to force extra time. Christopher Brown scored the game-winning goal just 81 seconds into overtime, securing a critical two points against a Western Conference rival.
The victory extends the Greyhounds’ winning streak to three games and improves their record to 18-10-1-1, keeping them firmly in the hunt in the Western Conference standings.
After a scoreless opening frame, the Greyhounds struck first early in the second period. Chase Reid opened the scoring with a one-timer from the point. However, Kitchener responded with a power-play marker midway through the period and added another goal in the final minute of the second to take a 2-1 lead into the intermission.
The Greyhounds found the equalizer on the power play midway through the third period. Colin Fitzgerald fired a shot off the post and in to tie the game at 2-2, setting the stage for overtime.
In the extra frame, Brown skated into the slot and fired a shot past the Kitchener netminder to seal the victory. Brown finished the night with a goal and two assists.
Goaltender Landon Miller made 20 saves for the win, while Kitchener’s netminder stopped 30 shots in the loss.
The game marked the debut of newly acquired defenceman Lukas Fischer. The veteran blueliner made his presence felt early with a pair of hits but was ejected late in the first period after receiving a major penalty for charging and a fighting major.
Looking Ahead
The Greyhounds return to action this weekend with a home game against the Brampton Steelheads on Friday, followed by a Sunday matinee against the Owen Sound Attack.
Several Greyhounds players will be unavailable due to international commitments. Brady Martin is attending Canada’s National Junior Team selection camp, while Chase Reid will depart after Friday’s game for Team USA’s camp.
Additionally, the OHL announced that Reid, Fitzgerald, and Callum Croskery have been selected to represent the Western Conference in the upcoming Connor McDavid Top Prospects Game.
For full post-game reaction and quotes from head coach John Dean and the players, visit the full story by Brad Coccimiglio on SooToday.com.