Joel Vanderlaan
@jovanderlaan
The trend of home-ice success continued on Saturday night, as the Barrie Colts beat the Kingston Frontenacs 2-1 in overtime at Sadlon Arena to take a 3-2 series lead.
Colts defenceman and projected first-round NHL draft pick Kashawn Aitcheson scored the game-winning goal in overtime.
Charlie Schenkel did everything he could to keep Kingston in it, making 42 saves. At the other end, Sam Hillebrandt stopped 27 shots for the Colts and was named the first star of the game.
The series now shifts back to Kingston, with Game 6 set for Sunday night at Slush Puppie Place. The Colts have a chance to close out the series and advance to the Eastern Conference Final.
Despite being outshot 17-6 in the opening frame, Kingston struck first as Jacob Battaglia set up Cedrick Guindon for his 10th goal of the postseason at the 16:32 mark. The Frontenacs would take a 1-0 lead into the intermission.
Barrie appeared to tie the game, but the goal was disallowed due to a distinct kicking motion. Eventually, Dalyn Wakely broke through and evened the score for the Colts in the second period.
Neither team could find the go-ahead goal in the third, though both had chances.Â
Kingston failed to capitalize on a double-minor power play, and Tuomas Uronen had an excellent breakaway chance.
Barrie’s Owen Van Steensel also had a quality opportunity late in regulation.
In overtime, it was Aitcheson’s point shot that found its way through traffic and into the back of the net.
Anthony Romani and Wakely both extended their postseason point streaks for the Colts, having now tallied a point in every game of the playoffs. Game 6 goes tonight from Slush Puppie Place in Kingston.
