Mooseheads leave Moncton with overtime win

CITYnews halifax / By Dan Ahlstrand

The Halifax Mooseheads hit the road for a rare Sunday afternoon away game, facing the defending league champion Moncton Wildcats. The Wildcats, wearing their alternate sweaters, opened the scoring with Niko Tournas finding the back of the net at 7:25 of the first period while Danny Walters was in the penalty box. Despite a brief 5-on-3 power play, the Mooseheads were unable to respond in the opening frame.

Goaltending stole the spotlight in the second period, with Halifax’s Owen Brisson and Moncton’s Rudy Guimond keeping the score at 1-0. Brisson was the busier of the two, turning aside 23 shots through two periods, while the Mooseheads managed 16 shots on Guimond.

An ugly hit on Patrick McNabb near the penalty box led to a lengthy delay in the 3rd period as officials reviewed the collision. In the end, Moncton centre Riley Sampson was assessed a five-minute major and a match penalty for boarding. Halifax’s Conner MacPherson was also sent off with a five-minute major and a match penalty for high-sticking. Play resumed at even strength, and with 6:14 remaining in regulation, Oleg Kulibyakin tied the game at 1-1, assisted by Jasu Mensonen.

The game headed to overtime, where Quinn Kennedy played the hero, beating Guimond at 3:49 to seal the win for Halifax. Kulibyakin and Caylen Blake picked up assists on the game-winner.

Kennedy was named first star of the game for his overtime goal. Guimond earned second star honours with a 26-save performance, while Tournas was named third star.

The Mooseheads return home to Scotiabank Centre on Thursday night to host the Rimouski Océanic. Game time is 7 p.m., with live coverage on 95.7 NewsRadio featuring Garreth MacDonald beginning with the pre-game show at 6:30.