Hayton scores as Team OHL beats Russia

Peterborough native Barrett Hayton had a highlight reel goal and added an assist as Team OHL beat Russia 3-1 in Game 3 of the CIBC Canada-Russia Series Thursday night in Sarnia. Hayton, captain of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, set up Isaac Ratcliffe’s opening goal and Mackenzie Entwistle scored on a penalty shot to give the OHL a 2-0 lead. With the score 2-1, Hayton scored an insurance marker in the third period that was played on highlight reels. He turned a Russian defender inside out before tucking a backhand deke past the goalie.

“The big thing was our discipline,” said Hayton of Team OHL’s penalty-free performance. “We didn’t go shorthanded in the whole game and that was kind of our focus coming in. From start to finish we performed well and I think it was a great game.”

When asked about his goal, Hayton said, “I got fortunate with a lucky bounce in the neutral zone and I was coming through the middle with some speed. I saw a hole and I was able to freeze the defender and make a little move on the goalie.”

Game 4 in the series is Monday night in Oshawa and will again feature Hayton and Peterborough native Owen Tippett of the Mississauga Steelheads. Petes’ goalie Hunter Jones and defenceman Declan Chisholm will also play for Team OHL.

Meanwhile, the Petes will take on the Hamilton Bulldogs on home ice starting at 7:05 p.m. at the Peterborough Memorial centre Saturday.