The Chatham Maroons (30-16-1-1) scored three shorthanded goals, including an empty netter, en route to a 6-3 win over the hometown Sarnia Legionnaires (22-22-2-3) in GOJHL hockey action Thursday.
Brandon Layman opened the scoring for the Legionnaires 4:12 into the first period. On the play, Brock Perry sprung Ryan Vendramin on a breakaway. Vendramin was stopped after making a nice backhand deke, and Layman buried the rebound.
Steven Beenackers replied for the Maroons just 28 seconds later. Chatham added two more goals in the frame, including a shorthanded goal by Teddy McGeen, to lead 3-1 after one.
Legionnaires forward Jarret Marks scored a shorthanded tally of his own 7:12 into the second stanza, then Eric Marsh scored his third of the season to tie the game 3-3.
The Maroons came back strong in the third period, as Connor Koviak scored on the powerplay and shorthanded. Chatham forward Devin Panzeca sealed the victory with an empty net goal with just 25 seconds remaining in the contest.
Sarnia-born 16-year-old defenceman Nash Nienhuis picked up an assist on Marsh's goal for his second point in four games this season. Neinhuis was called up from the Lambton Jr Sting AAA Major Midget February 12.
Legionnaires goalie Aidan Hughes stopped 35 of 40 shots, while Parker Butler made 31 saves on 34 shots on the Chatham net. Each team struggled on the powerplay, Sarnia went scoreless on seven chances and Chatham scored once on eight tries.
The Legionnaires will travel to Lambton Shores Saturday night for their final game of the regular season. They're guaranteed a sixth place finish in the GOJHL's Western Conference, and will play the number three seed.
Chatham meantime, is now one point behind the LaSalle Vipers for third place. Each team has two games remaining.
