Ontario hockey bounce back

By Arfa Ayub, Staff Contributor

It was a bounce-back victory for Ontario on Monday, who defeated British Columbia 5 – 2 after losing 3 – 2 in a shootout against Quebec on Sunday. Ontario dominated the game until the last five minutes of the third period.

“I thought we came out well,” said Ontario’s starting goalie Spencer Martin. “We had a positive emotional game last night and I think it carried thorough to this game.”

Ontario forward Nicholas Ritchie opened the scoring. He sped through the neutral zone on a breakaway and fired a wrist that got past British Columbia’s starting goalie Tristan Jerry.

Hunter Garlent made it 2 – 0, scoring on a wrist shot that came from just outside the crease. With less than six minutes left to play in the second period, British Columbia defenseman Ayrton Nikkel saved the day on what would have been a sure goal. He was in the right place at the right time and made a great defensive play to keep the game from getting out of reach.

Bo Horvat added a goal to give Ontario a 4 – 0 lead. British Columbia forward Curtiz Lazar ended Martin’s shutout bid with 9:47 left to play.

“It doesn’t matter,” said Martin. “It’s all about the win, I am happy as long as we win.”

Forward Jordan Subban scored his third of the tournament, making it a 5 – 1 game. A weak shot that trickled through Martin’s legs with 28 seconds remaining made the final score 5 – 2.