Toole’s OT marker gives Metros series lead over Aces

Game 6 in Tignish on Tuesday night

The Razzy’s P.E.I. Junior C Hockey League final could not be any closer.

After splitting the first four games, the Sherwood-Parkdale Metros and Tignish Perry’s Construction Aces needed overtime to decide Game 5 on Sunday night. Logan Toole’s goal with 5:03 remaining in the first extra session lifted the Metros to a 7-6 win.

The Metros, who now lead the best-of-seven series 3-2, will have a chance to claim the provincial title with a win in Game 6 at the Tignish Credit Union Arena on Tuesday at 7 p.m. The Aces, meanwhile, will be looking to send the series back to Charlottetown for a deciding Game 7.

At the Cody Banks Arena, the Aces and Metros engaged in a see-saw affair. Tignish jumped out to a 2-0 lead after one period, and led 4-2 at one point in the middle frame. The Metros answered back to tie the game 4-4 before the second intermission, and each team held a onegoal lead in the final period of regulation time.

The overtime goal capped a four-point night for Toole, who had two goals and two assists. Owen Arsenault (1-3) also notched four points for the Metros, who received single goals from Jake Arsenault (1-1) and Derian Vessey. Shawn Corney (3), Patrick Kenny and Brad Jenkins added helpers.

Will Tuplin (2-1), Brandon Forsythe (2), Matthew Bowness (1-3) and Brett Ramsay (1-2) countered for Tignish. Forsythe’s second goal of the game with 6:46 left in the third period forced overtime. Chase McHugh (3), Drake Smallman, Dawson Sellick and Lexin Gaudet chipped in with helpers.

Blake Arsenault earned the goaltending win over Bradley Shea. Overall, the Aces held a 43-37 shots-on-goal advantage.

The winner of this series will represent P.E.I. in the Maritime Hockey North junior C championship tournament, which is being hosted by the Southside Lynx. Play begins April 4 at the South Shore Actiplex in Crapaud.