HEARST, Ont. – Olivier Cloutier-Faucher scored twice, including the game-winner, to help lead the Hearst Lumberjacks to a 3-1 triumph over the visiting Soo Eagles in Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League action Thursday evening in front of over 700 fans at Claude Larose Arena.
Both clubs had chances in the first frame with the Lumberjacks out shooting the Eagles 17-14 in the session, but it was Hearst that notched the only tally in it with Cloutier-Faucher collecting his second of the campaign at 17:19.
Neither side would connect in a scoreless middle session as the home side carried their 1-0 cushion into the third.
In the final session, Cloutier-Faucher notched the eventual difference maker 2:20 into the period as the Lumberjacks went up by a pair.
They then added some insurance off the stick of Sebastien Doucet near the half way point to extend their lead.
Sault Ste. Marie dashed Hearst netminder Liam Oxner’s shutout bid with just over eight minutes remaining in regulation as George Orfanos and Blake Vaca combined to set-up Bobby Price for his second of the season in what proved to be the night’s final tally.
Dominic Dumas chipped in with two assists to aid the Hearst cause.
Oxner did finish with 33 saves in recording the win while Soo starter Shane Brancato faced 50 attempts in defeat.
