NORTHERN ONTARIO JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE
NOJHL NETWORK MEDIA UPDATE
Release Date: Friday, Aug. 28, 2015
Lopez hat trick leads Wildcats past Express
ELLIOT LAKE – Chad Lopez had three goals, including the game-winner, as the Elliot Lake Wildcats skated to a 7-1 triumph over the visiting Espanola Express in a Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League preseason contest Friday at Centennial Arena.
Spencer MacLean staked the Wildcats to the lead at 11:48 of the opening period as he converted during an Elliot Lake power play.
Espanola drew level with 68 seconds left in the first as Mackenzie Aiken picked up the first-ever Express marker.
Lopez then fired home the eventual difference maker six and a half minutes into the middle frame.
MacLean then made it 3-1 to put the Wildcats up by two through 40 minutes of play.
Elliot Lake then took over in the third notching four more goals to win going away.
Lopez had two more to complete his three-tally night while Curtis Rawn and Jason Wilson supplied singles.
Alec Mackenzie had two assists in the win.
Alan Menary made 25 saves in picking up the victory.
J.P. Sabourin saw 42 shots fired his way in a losing cause for the Express.
The two sides will now head to Espanola tomorrow afternoon at 2 p.m. to complete a home-and-home at the Regional Recreation Complex.
