Brock downs York in Game 1 of OUA West finals

TORONTO, Ont. - The Brock University men's hockey team continued their winning ways as they knocked of the No. 2 seeded York Lions 6-2 in Game One of the OUA West Finals Wednesday night at the Canlan Ice Sports in Toronto.
The Badgers are now just one win shy of reaching the OUA Queen's Cup Final for the third time in the program's history.

"The team played hard and getting off to a good start was key," said first year head coach Marty Williamson. "After that, Clint stood tall for us in goal."

Brock senior Sammy Banga opened the scoring 1:15 into the first period as he added a power play marker with assists going to Josh Timpano and Jeff Corbett. 

5:27 into the first period, York tied the game 1-1 as Morgan Messenger and Colton Vannucci found Trevor Petersen who registered his fourth goal of the postseason.

The Badgers then answered with three straight goals to take a 4-1 lead at the end of 20 minutes. Midway through the first period, Timpano and Banga setup Jeff Corbett who beat York starter Mack Shields for their second power play goal of the game. At the 13 minute mark, Timpano registered his third assist of the contest teaming up with Adam Lloyd and Cosimo Fontana for the 3-1 lead. For Fontana, it was his fourth goal of the postseason. The Badgers offense was not done there as Banga setup Fontana for his second goal of the night with 49 seconds left in the first period to go up 4-1. 

"Everyone came to play tonight from the goalie out, and we were eager to win," said senior Josh Timpano.

With six minutes left in the second period, the Lions Morgan Messenger cut the Brock lead in half making it 4-2.

Midway through the third period, the Badgers Mack Lemmon setup Lloyd for his first playoff goal and the 5-2 lead. Ayden MacDonald added an insurance marker with four minutes left in regulation with an empty netter for the 6-2 road victory.

In goal, Brock starter Clint Windsor recorded 38 saves, including 15 in the final period, for the victory. Shields collected 25 saves in the loss.

Game 2 is in St. Catharines Friday, March 2 at 7:15pm at the Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre. Game 3, if necessary, is scheduled for Saturday in Toronto. 

Tickets for Friday night's home game are available at the Walker Sports Complex Welcome Desk or by calling 905-688-5550 x4060. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 students and seniors.

Source: Brock Badgers