Last-Second Winner Lifts Sea Dogs Over Cape Breton
Published on December 18, 2010 under Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
Saint John Sea Dogs News Release
SYDNEY, N.S. --- Stephen MacAulay's dramatic last-second winning goal sent the Saint John Sea Dogs into the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Christmas break on a winning note.
MacAulay got just enough of a Ryan Tesink pass to redirect it past goalie Alexandre Veronneau with 0.4 seconds to go, giving Saint John a 2-1 road win over the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles Saturday night.
Michael Kirkpatrick also scored, and Jacob DeSerres made 22 saves for the Sea Dogs, who have won 13 of 14 games and finish the first half as the top-ranked team in the Canadian Hockey League with a record of 29-4-0-2.
Veronneau was named first star for his 36-save performance for Cape Breton, which fell to 10-25-1-2. Pier-Antoine Dion had the lone goal for the Screaming Eagles.
After a flurry of action in front of the Cape Breton net early, the Screaming Eagles took advantage of funny bounce that created 2-on-1 the other way. Dion held on to the puck and beat De Serres high to the glove side from the right wing, surprising the overage goalie on Cape Breton's first shot of the game at 1:46. Brad Cuzner was awarded an assist on the goal, Dion's 10th of the year.
The 17-year-old Veronneau, bidding for his first win of the season, stood on his head in the first period. The Sea Dogs dominated the shot clock, outshooting the Eagles 16-3, including three shots each from Steven Anthony and Danick Gauthier.
Veronneau continued his larcenous ways in the second period, reaching back to rob a Tesink rebound try midway through the frame after appearing down and out. DeSerres turned in some solid work as well, stopping 16 shots in the second period on the way to being named second star.
Saint John sniper Jonathan Huberdeau had a chance to tie early in the third period thanks to a pass from Pierre Durepos. But Veronneau was once again equal to the task, sticking out the right pad to deny Huberdeau on a short break.
The Sea Dogs finally broke the goose-egg on a power play at 6:38 of the third. Kirkpatrick, a native of nearby North Sydney, snapped home the equalizer from the high slot for his 11th of the year with an assist from Anthony, setting off a Sea Dogs celebration.
The Sea Dogs had to wait until the final second for another celebration, which began without Tesink, who fell to the ice as he threw the puck in front of the net from the left wing. MacAulay, driving to the net, tipped home his 10th of the year with 0.4 seconds left to ensure a happy bus ride home to the Port City. MacAulay was named the game's third star.
After a well-deserved Christmas break, the Sea Dogs take to the ice again Dec. 28 on the road against the Prince Edward Island Rocket, and Dec. 30 against the Acadie-Bathurst Titan. Tune in to News 88.9 FMfor Tim Roszell's live broadcast, or stream the action online via the official TELUS QMJHL webcast.
The Sea Dogs resume their home schedule with a New Year's Eve date against the rival Moncton Wildcats, a 7:30 p.m. start Dec. 31 at Harbour Station. All upper bowl tickets are just $10, and can be obtained by calling the Harbour Station box office at (506) 657-1234, or by visiting www.tickets.harbourstation.ca.
Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from December 18, 2010
- Last-Second Winner Lifts Sea Dogs Over Cape Breton - Saint John Sea Dogs
- Three-Goal Third Lifts MAINEiacs Past Cataractes - Lewiston MAINEiacs
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