Just seven games into the 2018-2019 Provincial Jr. C Hockey League season, the Orillia Terriers have already surpassed their win total from a year ago.
The Terriers won a pair of weekend contests to improve their record to 5-2 and move them into a first-place tie with perennial powerhouse Alliston.
On the road in Penetang, the Terriers built a 4-1 lead Friday night over the host Kings, before allowing the home team back into the contest.
But after Penetang closed to within a goal in the third period, Terriers captain Jake Beard scored a power-play marker to give the visitors some breathing room. After a last-minute goal from Penetang made it a one-goal game again, Corey Miller continued his early-season scoring prowess with an empty-net marker to secure the 6-4 win.
For Miller, it was his second of the night. Matt Priest, Luke Charlebois and Josh Brown also tallied single markers for the victors.
Jason Cumbo picked up the win between the pipes, as he stopped 34 of 38 shots. The Terriers outshot Penetang 38-37, with former Orillia Terrier netminder Andrew Couling taking the loss.
Special teams was a decisive factor for the Terriers, who scored three times on four power-play opportunities. They also killed all three Kings’ power plays.
The Terriers continued their winning way Saturday night at Rotary Place, scoring a 2-0 win over Hanover.
Calan Tanzi-Foshay scored a second-period goal for the home side – recording his first point of the season – while Miller tallied a power-play goal late in the third to secure the victory. For Miller, it was his team-leading ninth goal; no other player has more than two goals.
Backup netminder Cameron Plante stopped all 31 shots he faced to record the shutout for the Terriers, who out-shot Hanover 38-31.
TERRIER TALES: Kyle Fisher, who played for the Terriers as a 16-year-old before leaving Orillia to go to post-secondary school, has returned to the fold. He played both weekend games and recorded an assist.
The Terriers are tied atop the North Carruthers Division with 10 points after seven games. The Terriers have allowed just 14 goals to date, which is second best in the league.
