HEARST, Ont. – The French River Rapids rallied from a two-goal, third period deficit by striking four times in the final frame to pull out a 6-5 come from behind victory over the Hearst Lumberjacks Friday evening in a Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League match-up at Claude Larose Arena.
Just acquired Zack Dorval wasted little time in making his presence felt in the first period as he scored his initial NOJHL tally 7:52 in to put the Lumberjacks in front.
French River countered later in the session to tie it 18 seconds later thanks to Austin Petrie before Adam Kusior put the Rapids up 2-1 at 17:46.
A late power play helped Hearst knot the affair at 2-2 as Shadow Reuben slid in his seventh of the season during a man advantage.
Up a man in the second, the Lumberjacks connected once more thanks to Max Griffioen at 7:31 while Colin Boudreau scored at even strength 42 seconds later to make it 4-2 after two.
French River came back strong in the third striking three times in rapid succession to go in front as Alex Paul, Jacob Romano and Shaun General, with his first, put the visitors in front.
Christian Gaudreau then had the eventual game-winner with 6:14 remaining in regulation.
Hearst matched the Gaudreau effort a mere 12 seconds later thanks to Austin Anselmo, but that’s as close as Hearst would get as the Rapids prevailed with the come from behind decision.
Max Carbone had two assists in help French River out offensively.
Andrew Rocha made 42 saves to record the win while Matt Kustra suffered the loss for the Lumberjacks in his NOJHL debut allowing the six against on 33 shots.
Nicholas Dube handled all four attempts he saw in less then five minutes of relief.
Photos courtesy of Jimmy Cote Photography