Toronto Falls 5-4 to Brampton in Overtime, Clinches Playoff Berth in Process

Published on February 23, 2006 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Mississauga St. Michael's Majors News Release


TORONTO, ON (February 23, 2006) - The Majors had to swallow a tough loss to the Brampton Battalion this evening, 5-4 in overtime. However, the point they gained grants them a playoff berth. Also, Justin Donati was able to set a new franchise record for points in a season with his 98th of the campaign. The loss shifts the Majors record to 28-20-6-3 on the year.

The two teams swapped goals in the 1st period, with the Majors getting on the board at 4:10, on the power-play, and the Battalion answering back at 17:09. Toronto's goalscorer was Cory Vitarelli, with the assists going to Donati and Scott Lehman. Luch Aquino notched Brampton's goal with Wojtek Wolski providing the support.

The Majors offence exploded in the 2nd period, tickling the twine at 1:28 (power-play), 1:52 and 6:02 (power-play). The goals went to Donati, Derek Lewis (his 1st with the team) and Vitarelli while Donati, Lehman and Jeff Larsh (2) grabbed the helpers. However, the Battalion began to find their legs shortly afterwards and were generously afforded a number of power-plays during the remainder of the game, which they capitalized on. The Majors, unfortunately couldn't recover.

The Battalion goals came at 13:36 and 19:03 of the 2nd period, 16:34 of the 3rd and 1:14 into the overtime session. The latter 3 all came on the man-advantage. Aquino completed the hat trick, Wolski bagged a tally of his own and Jason Cassidy got his name on the scoresheet. The assists were provided by Wolski (3), Aquino, Michael Vernace (2) and Kyle Sonnenburg.

Wayne Savage made 32 saves in taking the loss. Brampton's Daren Machesney stopped 12 of 16 shots before being replaced by Bryan Pitton. The latter went on to record 13 consecutive saves. The Majors were 3 for 3 on the power-play while the Battalion were 3 for 6. The game's three stars were Aquino (1st), Donati (2nd) and Wolski (3rd).

The Majors travel to Belleville on Saturday night (February 25th) for a 7:15 pm game before finishing the weekend by hosting the Kitchener Rangers on Sunday afternoon (February 26th) at 2:00 pm. Only the latter contest will be broadcast on Rogers television in the Toronto region, channel 10 or 63, while both games will be webcast at www.stmichaelsmajors.com.

Majors tickets can be purchased through the team's office at (416) 651-8228, by calling Ticketmaster at (416) 872-5000, online at www.ticketmaster.ca or by stopping by the St. Michael's College School Arena box office within two hours of the puck drop. Group tickets (20 people or more) can be obtained for as low as $7.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Ontario Hockey League Stories from February 23, 2006


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central