WESTERN CAPITALS TRIM ROSTER.
Split home-and-home series vs. Crushers
The Summerside D. Alex MacDonald Ford Western Capitals opened the MHL (Maritime Junior Hockey League) pre-season schedule with a win and a loss over the weekend. The Capitals scored a 7-4 road victory on Saturday evening to earn a split in a home-and-home series with the Pictou County Crushers, who won the opener 6-3 in Summerside on Friday night. The Caps’ next pre-season game is against the Amherst Ramblers at Credit Union Centre’s Ice Pad on Thursday at 7 p.m.
Roster trimmed
The Caps, who opened training camp with 35 players, announced their first cuts over the weekend. The following players have been reassigned: Goaltenders – Ben Gibbon, Dawson Rodin, Rylan Holder. Defencemen – Seth Morris, Will Proud. Austin Callaghan, Keigan Casey. Forwards – Landon Clow, Sam MacNeill, Riley MacDougall “These guys have made it hard on us, they competed very hard, and we are excited for the future of this hockey club,” said Capitals head coach Billy McGuigan in a team media release. “Our cupboards are full.” The Caps are hosting a golf tournament at Mill River on Sept. 9, and anyone wishing to enter a team can do so by contacting general manager Pat McIver.
Capitals 7 Crushers 4
At the Pictou County Wellness Centre in New Glasgow, N.S., Callum MacPherson’s three points led the Capitals. MacPherson, the game’s second star, had one goal and two assists while Cam Roberts netted a brace. Zach Thususka, who was named the game’s first star, Brodie MacMillan and Keiran Gallant each contributed a goal and an assist. Marc Richard, who has scored three goals in the first two games, added a single marker. Colin Campbell (2), Kayden Peck (2), Bennett MacArthur and Isaac Wilson chipped in with assists. Ben Williams (1-1), Brayden Ryan (1-1), Abram-Village native Evan Gallant and Cameron Scott countered for the Crushers. The Caps built period leads of 3-2 and 6-3. Gibbon stopped nine of 12 shots for the Caps during the first half of the game, and Daniel Thompson blocked 15 of 16 over the final half. Sean Julie (10/14) and Jeremy Robar (8/11) shared the goaltending chores for the Crushers. Harry Sanders of the Crushers was selected the game’s third star.
Crushers 6 Capitals 3
At Credit Union Place’s Ice Pad, the Capitals fell behind the Pictou County Crushers 4-0 and battled back to close the deficit to 4-3, before the visitors added two late goals to seal the victory. Scott had two goals and an assist to lead the Crushers, who received single goals from Gallant, Dustin Sudds, Evan MacLennan and Brayden Ryan. Chad Wilson added two assists. Richard scored twice to lead the Caps’ offence. Morris also scored while Hunter Bradley, MacArthur and MacDougall added single assists. The Crushers held period advantages of 2-0 and 4-1. Matthew Normore (21/21, 34:34) and Seth Crowe (10/13, 25:26) and split the goaltending duties for the Crushers. Rodin (17/20, 34:34) and Holder (10/13, 25:26) were Summerside’s goaltenders. The game’s three stars were: 1. Cameron Scott (Crushers), 2. Brayden Ryan (Crushers), 3. Seth Morris (Capitals).