Mariani OT hero for Caps

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Thursday, April 23rd 2009

Mariani OT hero for Caps

JASON SIMMONDS
The Journal Pioneer

MONCTON, N.B. -- Just when it looked like Kyle Mariani didn't have many options, the game was over and the celebration was on.
The Summerside Western Capitals defenceman carried the puck down the right wing and fired an innocent-looking shot from a sharp angle deep in the Pembroke Lumber Kings' end that sneaked through on the short side between the post and goaltender Eric Levine's left arm 12:01 into the first 20-minute sudden-death overtime period. The goal gave the Caps a 4-3 win in the opening game of the 2009 Fred Page Cup Eastern Canadian junior 'A' hockey championship Wednesday.
"I was just skating down the wing and I saw someone (Mike MacIsaac) with me on the left side," explained the 19-year-old Mariani, who's from Toronto and had two goals in 16 regular-season games after joining the Caps from the P.E.I. Rocket in January. "I just put it on net trying to get a rebound. Somehow it squeaked in and I noticed that when I went behind the net."
The two teams treated the 576 fans, including a noisy contingent of Capitals' supporters, at the J. Louis Levesque Arena to a very entertaining contest.
"It was an outstanding game," said Capitals head coach Kenny MacDougall. "It was two evenly-matched teams and there's not a whole lot of difference between the teams. . .
"Full credit to Pembroke. They have an outstanding team and you can't fall asleep with them because they're so skilled."

Early lead
Zach Wilson (5:17) and Damian Cross (7:50) gave Pembroke a 2-0 lead after one period.
"I thought we came out maybe a little nervous and were a little hesitant in the first period," said MacDougall. "We were down 2-0 early. I really thought in the second and third periods we were able to get our legs going, our physicality going, taking the man and that's the way we play."
The Capitals started the second period on a five-minute power play after Pembroke was assessed a checking-from-behind major at the end of the first period. Chad Locke one-timed a pass from the slot past Levine 11 seconds into the power play to get the Caps on the board.
Then at 6:25, Greg Paynter raced down the right wing and wired a shot over Levine's left shoulder just under the cross bar to tie the game.
"I busted through on the draw," explained Paynter. "They ended up winning it, but I tipped it by them and skated up the ice.
"I was going to shoot for a rebound for Chad Locke, who was coming in, but I saw short side up high was open and luckily it went in."
Mitchell Porowski's unassisted goal on a two-on-none 35 seconds into the third period restored Pembroke's lead at 3-2. But Trevor Carmichael tied the game during a wild scramble around the Pembroke goal at 1:54.

jpsports@journalpioneer.com

Game Notes

A recap of the
Caps-Pembroke game:

Chad Locke, Greg Paynter, Trevor Carmichael and Kyle Mariani scored for the Capitals. Bradley Smith, Brett Gallant and Spencer Corcoran added assists.

Zach Wilson, Damian Cross and Mitchell Porowski had Pembroke's goals. Andrew Beuman, Keith Clarke, Mike Santee and Tyler Tosunian picked up helpers.

Pembroke led 2-0 after one period and the teams were tied 2-2 after 40 minutes.

Winning goaltender was Alex Dupuis and Eric Levine took the loss.

Overall, the Caps outshot Pembroke 40-27, including a 15-8 advantage in the third period.

The Caps' Chad Locke came close to scoring the eventual winner on two separate occasions late in overtime. With three minutes remaining, Locke could not solve Levine from in close and then he hit the post from the slot with 39 seconds to go.

Referee Geoff Hopkins called five minors, one checking-from-behind major and one game misconduct against Pembroke. The Caps were assessed four minors.

The Caps did not allow Pembroke any quality scoring chances during a two-man power play for 1:17 late in the second period.