Knights move into first place with win over Chiefs

LAKEFIELD — The North Kawartha Knights moved into first place in the PJHL Orr Division with a 4-3 win over the Lakefield Hendren Funeral Home Chiefs on Tuesday night at the Lakefield-Smith Community Centre. Nolan Flood scored the winning goal on an assist from Clay Coles late in the third period to snap a 3-3 tie.

The Knights had jumped to a 3-0 lead after the first period on two goals by Matthew Wilbee and another by Coles.

The Chiefs stormed back to make it 3-2 after two periods on goals by Jeff Hawthorne and William Keith, both assisted by Tarren Jank.

Adam Kitchen tied it up for Lakefield on the power play early in the third period, on a goal that was also assisted by Jank.

Carden Guerin assisted on two of the North Kawartha goals and Zack Pearson, Cole Arnold and Mike Fisher also had assists for the Knights.

Lakefield outshot the visitors 35-30 with their surge in the second and third periods.

Luke Miller had the win in net while Michael Christie made 26 saves and took the loss, his third of the season, for the defending PJHL Schmalz Cup champions. North Kawartha improves to 7-2-0-1 with the win, one point ahead of the Chiefs at 7-3-0-0. Lakefield is now tied with the Port Perry Mojacks in second place, but Port Perry holds a game in hand.

Lakefield travels to Port Perry (7-2-0-0) for a 2:25 p.m. Sunday game at the Scugog Arena. The Knights host the Little Britain Merchants (1-6-1-1) at 7:25 p.m. Friday at the North Kawartha Community Centre in Apsley.