MOUNT WILLIAM – The Junior A Crushers led another one fall by the wayside.
In a Maritime Hockey League game played Thursday at the Pictou County Wellness Centre, the Crushers gave up a game-tying goal late and lost 4-3 in a shootout to the South Shore Lumberjacks.
“It’s kind of been the story to our season so far,” said assistant coach Chad McDavid.
“We’re finding ways to let them slip away, instead of finding ways to nail it down.”
The teams were tied 2-2 when Jacob Hickey broke the deadlock with a power play goal at the 15:17 mark of the third, but the ’Jacks tied it 1:19 later on Christian Tsukamoto’s second goal of the night to force overtime, eventually leading to the shootout.
Aiden Hickey had a goal and an assist for Pictou County, Cam Scott also scored and Jaden Mason had a two-assist effort.
Brandon Stone had a goal and set up two others for South Shore. Logan O’Neil had the only goal in the shootout.
Pictou County, winless in five games, have a record of 1-2-3, South Shore are 3-2-1.
Despite their difficulties holding on to third period leads, there’s a plus side, said McDavid. “We’re getting points in the standings, and they are valuable points for us.”
The Crushers are in Truro on Saturday for a 7 p.m. game against the Bearcats, before hosting the MHL’s Showcase Monday and Tuesday, which features all 12 teams converging on Pictou County, each of them playing two games in two days.
“Bringing all the teams to one (venue) helps college and pro scouts see all 12 teams at one event,” said McDavid.
The games will consist of two 25-minute periods and will count toward the MHL standings.
Ticket Prices for the MHL Showcase:
• Adults: $12 for a one-day pass, $20 two-day pass.
• Students/Seniors: $10 for a one-day pass, $15 for a two-day pass.
• Children ages 8-12: $5 for one-day pass, $8 for a two-day pass.
• Children under 8 admitted free
