Caps back to .500
Roberts nets first junior A goal
Cameron Roberts made sure his first career junior A goal was a big one.
Roberts’s tally at 13:09 of the first period stood up as the game-winner as the Summerside D. Alex MacDonald Ford Western Capitals topped the Campbellton Tigers 4-1 on Thursday night.
“It’s pretty exciting to get that first one, especially at home,” said the 17-year-old Roberts, who gave the Caps a 2-0 advantage. “It’s even better that we got the win.”
The Capitals, winners of three straight, moved to 3-3-0 (won-lost-overtime losses) early in the MHL (Maritime Junior Hockey League) regular season.
“We are a pretty young team and we did a lot of learning at the start of the year, but it’s good to get these last three games,” said Roberts, who is from Kensington.
Before 980 fans at Eastlink Arena, Morgan MacDonald and Kallum Muirhead each had a goal and an assist while rookie Josh MacDonald contributed a single goal for the Capitals.
Sebastien Cormier (2), Brodie MacArthur (2), Austin Taylor, Jesse Annear and Jonathan Larter contributed assists. Tristan Young countered for the Tigers (2-3-1).
Smith solid
Capitals’ rookie goaltender Cody Smith continued his strong play as he turned aside 30 shots in earning his third straight win. He has allowed five goals in those three games.
“The boys played well in front of me, and I just made the saves I had to,” said the 17-year-old Smith, who is from Glace Bay, N.S. “The last three games, my
confidence has gone through the roof.”
That has resulted in one major change to Smith’s style. He explained: “Early in the season I was playing back deep in my net, and now I’m coming out more and that’s because of the confidence.”
Tigers goaltender Tristan Gray faced 27 shots.
Gallant remembered
A pre-game ceremony was held in memory of Paul Gallant, who passed away earlier Thursday.
Gallant was a prominent figure in the Summerside sporting community. He was the scheduling co-ordinator for the City of Summerside, a fixture on host committees for national and international championships
and was the longtime public address announcer and official scorer at Cahill Stadium.
The game’s three stars were: 1. Cody Smith (Caps), 2. Morgan MacDonald (Caps), 3. Sebastien Cormier (Caps). The Caps will visit the Amherst Ramblers on Saturday night, and will face the Yarmouth Mariners in Summerside on Tuesday at 7 p.m. That game will be part of the MHL Showcase, which takes place at Credit Union Place on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Caps face the Amherst Ramblers on Wednesday at 7 p.m.