Matrix defeats Red Devils in opener

MacKay, Trainor record three points

The Robin’s Mid-Isle Matrix has struck first in the P.E.I. Midget AAA Hockey League championship series.

Zac MacKay and Nick Trainor each recorded three points to lead the Matrix to a 5-3 win over the visiting Pownal Taco Boyz Red Devils in Game 1 at the APM Centre on Saturday night.

Game 2 in the best-of-seven final is slated for the Pownal Sports Centre on Monday at 7:30 p.m., with Game 3 back in Cornwall on Tuesday at 7:40 p.m.

MacKay had two goals and an assist while Trainor scored once and set up two other goals. Brett MacDonald and Colin Goodwin added single tallies, with other helpers credited to Harrison James, Nathan Mahar, Duncan Picketts, Callum Pineau and Ben Peters.

Nick Steele and Thomas Docherty replied for the Red Devils. Grant Koughan and Keegan Mitchell drew helpers. The Matrix led 2-1 after the first period, and took a 3-2 advantage into the second intermission. Overall, Mid-Isle held a 37-23 shots-on-goal advantage. Jonah Arbing earned the goaltending win, and Trevor Whalen was between the pipes for the Red Devils.

The Matrix was assessed six minor penalties while the Red Devils were whistled for two minors, two double minors for head contact and one double minor for spearing.

The Matrix completed the regular season in first place at 23-4-3 (won-lost-tied), and the Red Devils (18-10-2) were second.