MATTAWA – The Mattawa Blackhawks rode the 52-save performance of Josh Horner, who kept his side in it, and then rallied late to slip past the visiting Kirkland Lake Gold Miners 4-3 Saturday in Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League play at Mike Rodden Arena.
The triumph for Horner was his first NOJHL victory as he made a season-high 52 stops in earning the decision.
Mattawa’s Henry Yawit opened the scoring five minutes into the contest only to see Kirkland Lake pull even at 16:53 thanks to Jeremy Dumont’s 11th of the campaign.
The Blackhawks retook the lead with the only tally of the middle frame when Tyler Broderson connected on the power play at 14:44.
Goals two minutes apart in the third allowed the Gold Miners to pull level and then take the lead when Ryan Aubertin struck at 5:01 followed by an Ethan Strong power play blast, which were both assisted by Steven Babin.
Broderson’s second man advantage marker at 12:53 of the third tied things up once again to knot it 3-3.
Then Tanner Bowditch, making his Mattawa debut, made it memorable as he buried the game-winner with 5:09 remaining.
Horner helped do the rest as the Blackhawks held on to upset the defending league champions.
Devon Debastos faced 21 shots in defeat for the Gold Miners.
Andy Williams dished out three assists to aid Mattawa offensively.
