Caps fall to Bearcats in overtime

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Wednesday, April 8th 2009Caps fall to Truro in overtime

JASON SIMMONDS
The Journal Pioneer

TRURO, N.S. -- The Truro Bearcats served notice Tuesday night that the Summerside Western Capitals are in for a battle in the Maritime Junior 'A' Hockey League's Kent Cup final.
Jonathan McArthur scored 5:43 into double overtime to give the Bearcats a 3-2 come-from-behind victory before 1,506 fans at the Colchester Legion Stadium. The best-of-seven series is now tied 1-1.
"It was a back-and-forth game, a see-saw battle and pretty well went down to last shot wins," assessed Caps head coach Kenny MacDougall.
The Capitals, who blanked Truro 3-0 in the series opener Sunday, entered the game 9-0 (won-lost) in post-season play.
"The guys are disappointed," said MacDougall. "It stings for sure to lose and to lose in such a fashion, double overtime."
Game 3 is at Credit Union Place on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. With Game 1 attracting close to 3,400 fans, a full house is expected. Thus, fans are encouraged to purchase advance tickets if at all possible.
Credit Union Place's box office is open daily from 12 noon to 8 p.m., and tickets can be purchased 24 hours a day online at www.city.summerside.pe.ca.
With the Capitals leading 2-1 and on a power play, MacDougall said an unfortunate bounce led to Truro's game-tying short-handed goal by KC Brown at 8:53 of the third period.
"The puck rimmed around and bounced off the referee's skate and that caused a bobble at the blue-line and a turnover, and they went down on a breakaway and scored," said MacDougall. "It was a tough break and they did gain momentum from that.
"Up until that point of the game, we were pretty good controlling and had them hemmed in their end for the most part up until then."
Chris Ivanko also scored for Truro while Chad Locke and Mike MacIsaac countered for the Capitals.
Penalties and special teams were a big factor. Truro failed to score on three five-on-three power plays -- two for a full two minutes and one for 1:01 -- during regulation time. The Caps came close during a two-man power play for 51 seconds early in the second overtime period.
"Brad Smith hit the post and a couple of guys had gaping nets and just couldn't get enough wood on the puck," said MacDougall. "We had three or four quality chances to put it away."
The Bearcats were 0-for-9 on the power play and the Caps finished with a 1-for-6 summary.

jpsports@journalpioneer.com