Mooseheads sunk by visiting Islanders

CITYnews halifax / By Coulson Ward

A third-period comeback by the Halifax Mooseheads fell short Saturday as the Charlottetown Islanders claimed a 6-3 victory at Scotiabank Centre.

The Islanders controlled the first two periods. Ivan Ryabkin opened the scoring at 9:38 of the first period with his first QMJHL goal, and in the second period Nathan Leek scored three times to complete a natural hat trick.

The Mooseheads came to life in the third period. Samueal Rousseau got Halifax on the board 50 seconds into the frame with his third goal of the season, taking a net-front pass from Quinn Kennedy and beating Donald Hickey. Kennedy then fired a sharp-angle shot into the Charlottetown net that initially caused some confusion, but after video review was ruled a good goal. Liam Kilfoil added his 10th of the season to bring the Mooseheads within one.

Leek responded with his fourth goal of the game, beating Owen Bresson, and Ross Campbell sealed the win with an empty-net goal.

With the loss, Halifax fell to 19-17-2-2 on the season.

Leek was named the game’s first star with four goals. Kennedy earned second-star honours with a goal and an assist, while Ryabkin was named the third star after finishing with a goal and four assists.

The Mooseheads return to action Thursday, Jan. 22, when they visit the Cape Breton Eagles at Centre 200. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. Live coverage will be carried on 95.7 NewsRadio with Garreth MacDonald.