Veterans spark offence

Three veterans led the Summerside D. Alex MacDonald Ford Western Capitals back to the winning track Saturday night.

Hunter McIntyre scored two goals and added an assist, TJ Shea netted a pair and Sebastien Cormier contributed three assists as the Capitals defeated the Pictou County Crushers 5-2 to snap a modest two-game losing streak.

Before 1,055 fans at Eastlink Arena, Kallum Muirhead also scored for the Caps, who received other assists from Jesse Annear (2), Andrew Murphy and Austin Taylor.

Jake Martin and Kevin Mason replied for the Crushers, who are 5-4-1-0 (won-lost-overtime losses-shootout losses).

The Caps took a 3-1 lead into the final 20 minutes after the first period ended in a 1-1 draw.

McIntyre gave the Caps a 2-1 lead 6:24 into the second period, and Shea’s goal at the 18-minute mark proved to be the game-winner.

After the Crushers closed to within 3-2 just before the two-minute mark of the third period, Shea added an insurance marker at 11:17 and McIntyre’s short-handed goal at the 18-minute mark put the game out of reach.

Rett Rook turned aside 30 of 32 shots for the Capitals, who directed 38 at Crushers goaltender Luke Melanson.

The game’s three stars were: 1. TJ Shea (Caps), 3. Hunter McIntyre (Caps), 3. Sebastien Cormier (Caps).