Kings wrap-up first round of NAPHL with win and shootout loss

Thunder Bay Kings AAA Hockey Media Update
www.thunderbaykings.com

BLAINE, Minn. – The Thunder Bay Kings two midget clubs wrapped up the first round of play in the North American Prospects Hockey League Sunday in Blaine, Minn., with the minor midget side edging the Pursuit of Excellence by a 4-3 margin while the major midgets dropped a 4-3 shootout decision to Minnesota Elite Prep.

After the Kelowna, B.C.-based POE got on the board first Thunder Bay responded with tallies from Nicholas Hakala and Ethan Carlson-Jourdain to go up 2-1 after one.

The teams then traded markers in the second with Owen Belisle connecting for the Kings.

After POE tied it with 4:20 remaining and overtime looming, Hahkala won it late for the minor midgets as he buried the game-winner with just 13 seconds left to pull out the late victory.

Thunder Bay outshot Pursuit of Excellence 28-23 with Christian Cicigoi picking up the win.

In the major midget contest, the Kings took a 1-0 lead after one period of play on a Cody Bruchowski marker 11 minutes in.

Minnesota owned the middle session as they struck for three unanswered goals to grab a 3-1 lead.

Thunder Bay rallied to force extra time on efforts supplied by Matthew Caruso and then Baldino Aiello, who notched the equalizer with 16 seconds left in regulation.

After a scoreless OT, Minnesota Elite would go on to take the shootout to gain the extra point in the standings.

Jacob Brown and Fletcher Anderson tallied for the Kings in the shootout that went four rounds.

Thunder Bay outshot their opponents 39-30 overall with Ryan Fanti suffering the defeat.

The next round of NAPHL action for the Kings will be Oct. 22-24 back in Blaine.

All NAPHL games are available online, via pay-per-view at FASTHockey.com.