GOAL CALLS NOT ON PANTHER’S SIDE AS THEY FALL 3-2 TO JETS

PORT HOPE, ON – Panthers faced a tough loss on Saturday night at home as they fell short in a 3-2 loss to the Jets, it wouldn’t be without some unfortunate calls though.

For the second straight game, Port Hope found themselves trailing the Jets 2-0 after 20-minutes. Jack Kedwell opened the scoring early in the game at 3:32 and Gabe Williams added to that lead at 12:47.

Also for the second straight game, it would be AP Emmett Clarke who opened the scoring for the Panthers on a shot from the point. Exactly two-minutes later, PJHL Rookie of the Year Carter McKee performed the Michigan from behind the Panthers net to wrap it around past goaltender Brayden Friedrich. McKee would receive a two-minute unsportsmanlike penalty on the goal as a result of his celebration. Panthers thought they but the lead in half on the powerplay when Dailen Fousek found the back of the net, but the goal was called back due to the net being off it’s posts. Panthers would cut the lead just before the end of the period on a goal by Spencer Eriksson.

Port Hope continued to push in the third period to tie the game and they thought they did when Noah Richard found the back of the net but it was called off as the whistle blew right before the puck crossed the line. Friedrich made his way to the bench with 1:37 left in the period, Panthers tried to push but came up short. Final score, Jets 3, Panthers 2.

Brayden Friedrich stopped 38 of 41 shots.

Teams are back in action tomorrow night in Amherstview for game 3 before returning to Port Hope on Tuesday night for game 4 of the series.