PORT HOPE TAKES SERIES LEAD ON THE ROAD

AMHERSTVIEW, ON – Panthers headed to Amhertsview on Thursday looking for a win and the lead in the series.

After scoring twice in Tuesday’s 3-0 win, Carter Chadwick got on the scoresheet first, except this time it would be with a tripping call going against him at 1:08 of the first period. Jets made quick work on the power play as Thomas Elkins found the back of the net just 43 seconds into the powerplay. With just over three minutes remaining in the game, Panthers forward Brandon Rose tied the game at 1 with assists going to Chadwick and Jacob Dupuis who returned to the Panthers lineup for the first time this series.

The opening of the second was all Panthers, who managed to score three goals before the five minute mark of the frame. Dailen Fousek struck first, on the powerplay as he found a loose puck in front that snuck through the legs of Nate Burelle 1:17 into the period. Connor MacGregor got on the board next just 34 seconds later to net his first of the playoffs and finally get that monkey off his back. Panthers third goal of the period came off the stick of AP forward Pax Murphy. Jets were able to get a lone goal in the period thanks to Carter McKee. Teams headed into their dressing rooms at the end of 40-minutes with the Panthers leading 4-2.

Port Hope continued to push in the third. Carter Chadwick netted his fourth goal in three games to extend the lead 5-1. As much as Amherstview pushed, they were not able to close the gap with such little time left. Josh Kudo did get on the board at 16:22 but it would be Isaac Langdon who would find the empty net with 37 seconds to go to make it 6-3 and give the Panthers a 3-2 lead in the series heading back home.

Although having to leave the game briefly at near the end of the first, Brayden Friedrich returned to the net at the start of the second and earned the win for Port Hope, stopping 40 of 43 shots faced.

Game 6 goes Saturday night in Port Hope. Puck drop is set for 7:30 PM.