Chiefs even Schmalz Cup semifinal at 2-2
LAKEFIELD — The Lakefield Hendren Funeral Home Chiefs pounded the Stayner Siskins 7-2 on Tuesday night at the Lakefield-Smith Community Centre to even their Provincial Junior Hockey League Schmalz Cup semi-final series at 2-2.
Chiefs captain Aaron Vatcher had a hat trick and added an assist to lead the Chiefs’ attack, while Matthew McIntyre had a five-point night with a goal and four assists.
Carson Hartwick, Jeff Hawthorne and Matt Carroll also scored for the Chiefs.
Karn Dart had two assists while Mitch Ogilivie, Zac Treetn, Tarren Jank, Braeden Kublick and Cole Robbins also had assists.
The high score turned the game into a chippay affair with 48 minutes of penalties assessed to both teams, mostly in the third period.
Chiefs head coach Jamie Arcand says his players know better to stay out of the box but, despite that it will still be a topic of conversation going into game five as he doesn’t want anyone to end up getting kick out of the playoffs for getting to hot headed.
“They need to do a bit better turning away after the whistle,” Arcand said. “They got caught caught a few times engaging after being provoked.”
The Chiefs scored seven goals in a row and led 7-0 in the middle of the third period before the Siskins found the back of the net.
Lakefield outshot Stayner 26-10 in the first period. Shots were even in the second period and Stayner outshot Lakefield in the third. Overall, Lakefield outshot Stayner 48-40.
Michael Christie stopped 38 of the 40 shots for the win, which is his 14th of the post-season.
Game 5 goes Thursday at 8:10 p.m. at the Stayner Memorial Centre and Game 6 at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Lakefield-Smith Community Centre.
Game 7 if necessary would be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday in Stayner.
Stayner gained home-team advantage for the series through a coin toss, which could be a factor with the series so close.
The winner of the series advances to the Schmalz Cup provincial Junior C championship final series. The Glanbrook Rangers lead the Lambeth Lancers 3-1 in the other semi-final.