Despite blowing a three goal lead in the third period the Chatham Maroons were able to beat the Flyers in Leamington 6-5 in overtime in their second round Junior B opener.
The Maroons came out hot, getting on the board just 27 seconds into the game courtesy of Steven Beenackers, and held a 4-1 lead at the end of the first period. Both teams traded goals in the second, setting up a Flyers comeback in the third, where they erased Chatham's three goal lead to force overtime tied 5-5.
Maroons forward Gus Ford scored the game winner 1:36 into OT, giving him a hat trick on the night. He says it was one of the biggest goals of his hockey career.
"This is definitely a big game. I scored an overtime goal in the Schmalz Cup quarter final against Essex and that's a big moment, but this is definitely up there for sure," he says. "I'm glad we got tonight's win so we go back home and have a strong game there."
The two teams face off again for Game 2 in Chatham on Sunday at 7pm.
