McNiven Stands Tall as Beast Top Laurier to Finish Preseason
Published on October 8, 2017 under ECHL (ECHL)
Brampton Beast News Release
BRAMPTON, ONTARIO - Brampton Beast netminder Michael McNiven stole the show with a 39-save performance and forward Brandon MacLean scored the lone goal in the shootout as the Beast finish their preseason schedule undefeated thanks to a 2-1 shootout victory over the Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks on Saturday afternoon.
Beast forward Jordan Boucher got the scoring started early as he located a loose puck at the side of the Laurier net and shovelled it beyond the reach of Golden Hawks netminder Colin Furlong just 3:30 into the game. Mitch Zion and Thomas Ebbing drew assists.
For the remainder of the first period until late in the third period, it was a goaltending battle at both ends of the ice, with both McNiven and Furlong making highlight reel saves to keep the game close.
McNiven remained perfect between the pipes for the Beast until the final two minutes of regulation time. With the Laurier net empty and the Golden Hawks on the man advantage, Jeremy Pullara sent a shot on goal that got through a crowd and beat a screened McNiven to tie the game with 1:14 remaining in the third period.
Both teams skated hard in the extra frame but neither could find the back of the net, forcing the game to a shootout.
Again, both netminders were strong in the shootout until Brandon MacLean scored the only goal in the fifth round to send the Beast to the dressing room with a victory.
Molson Three Stars: 3) Boucher (BRA) 2) Furlong (WLU) 1) McNiven (BRA).
NOTES: The Beast end their preseason schedule with a 2-0 record with both wins coming in the shootout. The Beast kick off the 2017-18 season on Saturday, October 14 on the road against the Adirondack Thunder. The Beast's Home Opener is on Sunday, October 15 at 2:00PM against the Manchester Monarchs.
For more information or general media inquiries on the Brampton Beast please contact Chris Ballard, Public Relations Coordinator at (905) 564-1684 or cballard@bramptonbeast.com. The Brampton Beast will be bringing their exciting brand of ECHL hockey back to the Powerade Centre next season. Don't miss a minute of the action! 2017-18 Memberships are now available, join the club!
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