Caps trim Aces
MacArthur, Annear, Muirhead lead way
The Summerside D. Alex MacDonald Ford Western Capitals spread out the offence on Thursday night.
Ten different players, including goaltender Christofer Langlais, recorded at least one point as the Caps trimmed the St. Stephen Aces 7- 1 in MHL ( Maritime Junior Hockey League) play.
It was the final regular- season home game for the Capitals, who close out their schedule on the road against the Woodstock Slammers on Sunday afternoon. The Caps open the playoffs at the Dieppe Commandos on Wednesday, and return home for Game 2 of the best- of- seven Eastlink North Division semifinal series on Thursday at 7 p. m.
Three points
Before 1,081 fans at Eastlink Arena, Brodie MacArthur ( 2- 1), Jesse Annear ( 1- 2) and Kallum Muirhead, who had a trio of assists, all recorded three points to pace the Caps, who improved to 24- 22- 0- 3 ( won- lost- overtime losses- shootout losses). Nathan Yetman, David Osborne, TJ Shea and Morgan MacDonald all contributed a goal and an assist while Michael White chipped in with a pair of helpers. Langlais and MarcAndre LeCouffe added single helpers.
Ben Reid, who was set up by former Capital Casey Fox, netted the lone goal for the Aces ( 14- 25- 6- 3), who remain two points back of the Slammers for the division’s final playoff berth. The two teams meet Friday night in St. Stephen, N. B. The Capitals jumped out to a 3- 0 lead after one period, and extended that margin to 5- 1 following 40 minutes.
Goaltending
Langlais turned aside 32 of 33 shots in recording the goaltending win, including 17 of 18 in the middle frame. Former Capital Kyle Michalovsky allowed six goals on 36 shots, and Levi Denny blocked four of the five shots he faced.
The game’s three stars were:
1. Brodie MacArthur ( Capitals), 2. Jesse Annear ( Capitals),
3. Christofer Langlais ( Capitals).