Tough loss Jan. 7

Avon River Rats slipping away from possible first place finish

The Avon River Rats are no closer to claiming first place in the league following a devastating 9-5 loss at home Jan. 7 against the Spryfield Attack.

Spryfield’s Dan MacKnight started things off, scoring his league-leading 41st goal of the season to give Spryfield a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes.

It went downhill from there for the River Rats, as the Attack scored four times each in the second and third periods. The River Rats were outshot by the Attack 45-28.

Goals for the River Rats came from Kyle Armsworthy, who scored his 16th goal of the season, while Logan Cleveland notched his 25th of the season to bring the home team to within a goal at 3-2. However, at the end of 40 minutes, the Attack led 5-2.

Spryfield stretched their lead to 7-2 in the third on a short-handed goal and MacKnight’s 42nd goal of the season. The Rats then scored three of the game’s next four goals, including Cleveland’s 26th of the season.

Spryfield is now 20-1-0-1, good for 41 points, while Avon is 17-9-00, with 34 points. The River Rats are three points ahead of the Eastern Shore Thunder.

Avon 8, Cumberland-Colchester 2

Alex King scored his 18th, 19th and 20th goals of the season for a short-staffed River Rats unit on Jan. 5 as they travelled to Springhill for an encounter with the Colts.

Samuel Plourde also scored two goals for the River Rats, who will now prepare for their next two games. They hosted the Colts on Jan. 14 and were scheduled to hit the road to take on the Attack on Jan. 20.

COLIN CHISHOLM Avon River Rats goalie Carter McMullin was kept busy throughout the game against the Spryfield Attack. He faced 45 shots on goal.

ASHLEY THOMPSON Morgan Laffin puts pressure on a Digby player looking to put the ball in bounds.

ASHLEY THOMPSON Andrew Pineo brings the ball up the court for the Central Kings Gators.