Nationals draw first blood against Flyers

The London Nationals scored with 32 seconds left in regulation to beat the Leamington Flyers 5-4 on Wednesday.

With it, the Nationals took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven Western Conference final in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League. Game 2 is Thursday in Leamington.

The Nationals took all six regular-season meetings against Leamington, but the Flyers took a one-goal lead on three occasions Wednesday and got a goal with just under five minutes to play in regulation to tie the game.

But Leamington’s Scott Florence was called for high-sticking with a minute to play in regulation and London scored the game-winning goal on the power play just 28 seconds later to win it.

Broden Meloche, Zach Guilbeault, Griffin Robinson and Josh Pope-Ferguson scored for the Flyers, who were outshot 34-25.

73’S TAKE COMMAND

The Essex 73’s are one win away from advancing to the Schmalz Cup provincial junior C semifinals.

A 4-1 road win by the 73’s on Wednesday over the Dorchester Dolphins gave Essex a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven, quarter-final series.

Essex can clinch the series with a win at home on Friday against the Dolphins at the Essex Centre Sports Complex.

Dalton Langlois paced the Essex offence with a goal and two assists. William Stadder, Eric Shaw and Tyler Scott each had a goal and an assist for the 73’s with Michael Vieira picking up the other goal. Essex goalie Tyler Ryan made 25 saves to pick up the win in net for the 73’s, who held a 47-26 edge in shots on goal.

EXPRESS STREAK ENDS

A season-high, six-game winning streak by the Windsor Express came to an end on Wednesday.

With the club playing its fifth game in eight days and the last four on the road, the Express fell 117103 on the road to the Saint John Riptide in NBL of Canada action.

Wally Ellenson led the offence for the Express (16-14) with 24 points. Juan Pattillo chipped in with 21 points against the Riptide (19-13) while Warren Ward added 12 points.

JUNIOR SPITFIRES LOSE

The Windsor Junior Spitfires Zone AAA midget hockey team lost for the first time in three games on Wednesday at the Telus Cup Central Regional Championship in Sudbury.

Tied after two periods, the Mississauga Rebels scored three goals to start the third period to beat Windsor 4-2.

Windsor got single goals from Justin Bondy and Dallas Anderson in the loss while goalie James Walker made 31 saves. Windsor continues pool play Thursday against the Cornwall Colts.