The McLean & Dickey Orillia Terriers clawed their way to a 5-2 victory over the Stayner Siskins at Rotary Place on Saturday night.
Coming off a franchise-best 26th regular season victory over the Midland Flyers on Friday night, the Terriers were looking to make a statement against one of the Provincial Junior Hockey League's premier teams.
The Siskins struck first when leading goal scorer Ryan Russell found himself on a two-on-one six minutes into the opening period. He blasted a pass from Cole Dubowsky past Terriers’ goalie Aidan Jerry for the first goal of the game.
The Terriers responded just two minutes later when defenceman Kaden Washkurak stopped a puck from leaving the offensive zone and then drove to the net to score on a backhand.
"The competition with Stayner was difficult," Washkurak said. "We knew it was going to be a challenge, but it feels good to pot one."
Four minutes later, another Terriers’ defenceman got in on the action. Lucas Wessinger let one rip from the point, and forward Colton Dumond tipped it past Siskins' goalie Matteo Gennaro for his 20th of the season.
"When you play these guys, you got to keep your foot on the pedal," Washkurak said. "It shows character when you can win like this."
The Terriers stayed hot throughout the period and Mason Beck notched another tally by skating into the slot from behind the net and sniping his 18th goal of the season on a power play chance.
"Starting on time is big and we did that tonight," Beck said. "It keeps all the boys confident and allows us to stick to our game plan."
The Terriers played well defensively through the first 10 minutes of the second period but then coughed up a golden opportunity in front of the net that was capitalized on by Siskins forward Caleb Tiffin-Seminara, allowing the visitors to close the gap to 3-2.
The Terriers took a one-goal lead into the third and were on a penalty kill to begin the final frame. Racing out of the penalty box to chase a free puck was forward Devon Edmonds who made a feed to forward Josh Presley for what would be the game-winning goal.
The Terriers were bailed out multiple times in the third period by Jerry who stopped 35 of 37 Siskins' shots in the winning effort. Forward Brady McLaren would add the final dagger in mop-up time, and the Terriers held on for a big win.
The Terriers have one more game on the road versus the North Carruthers division second-placed Siskins, but have now clinched the season series, leading 3-1.
"After tonight it doesn't look like they are so much the juggernaut," Beck said. "It looks like Orillia is."
With the postseason looming, Beck says the Terriers treated Saturday's contest as if it was a playoff game.
"Every game against them is a playoff game," he said. "Playing any team at this point in the season is like that, but especially this team."
The third-placed Terriers are back at Rotary Place in west Orillia for a special Family Day matinee on Monday. They take on Huntsville at 2 p.m.
"We'll be ready to come play," Beck said. "It will be great to see everybody come out, bring their kids, and have some fun."
Beck will play his final regular season game with the Terriers at Brian Orser Arena next Saturday, Feb. 24th. as the Jr. C squad wraps up the campaign taking on Midland at 6 p.m.
"It's all setting in. But the second season hasn't started yet so we still got lots of games left," he said, referencing what he hopes will be a deep playoff run.
