Montgomery Scores for London & ACT Take Series Lead
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Montgomery Scores as Knights Storm Past Rangers in Play-off Opener
The London Knights have drawn first blood in their Ontario Hockey League Western Conference Championship series, cruising to a 5-2 victory over the Kitchener Rangers at Canada Life Place on Friday night. A blistering four-goal first period set the tone for the Knights' dominant performance.
Sam Dickinson was the orchestrator for the home side, bagging two goals and providing two assists. Landon Sim, Kasper Halttunen, and Blake Montgomery also found the back of the net for the Knights, who outshot the Rangers 41-24. Easton Cowan chipped in with two assists to further bolster the Knights' attack.
The Knights' offensive onslaught in the opening frame left the Rangers reeling. As the second period got underway with the score at 4-0, Montgomery added to Kitchener's woes. The Bermudian forward burst through the Rangers' defense and slotted home to extend the lead to 5-0.
While Luca Romano managed to pull back two goals for the Rangers, they were ultimately outmatched. The Knights capitalized on one of their three power play opportunities, while the Rangers were unable to convert on any of their four man-advantage situations.
By the end of the first period, the Knights held a commanding 4-0 lead, and they carried a comfortable 5-1 advantage into the final period, ultimately sealing a convincing game one victory.
ACT Clinch Series Victory Over Appleby in Play-offs
ACT 9 Appleby 3
ACT have secured their place in the next round of the Bermuda Ball Hockey Winter League play-offs with a decisive 9-3 victory over Appleby at the PCC Hockey Rink, winning their best-of-three series 2-1.
Appleby drew first blood in the opening period, Chris Merritt putting them ahead 1-0. However, ACT responded strongly, Chris Cairns netting twice, and Townie Jackson and Adam Mattatall each adding a goal to give ACT a 4-1 lead by the end of the first period.
ACT continued their offensive momentum in the second period, outscoring Appleby 4-2. Mike Travis, Jake Fenske, Theo Caimassidis, and Mattatall, who scored his second of the game, all found the back of the net for ACT. Appleby responded with two goals from Shakey Mckay, but ACT held a comfortable 8-3 lead heading into the final period.
The third period saw only one goal scored, Luca Papnia adding the ninth for ACT, sealing a comprehensive victory and booking their spot in the next stage of the Bermuda Ball Hockey Winter League play-offs.
