(Geoff Lawson)
The Wellington Dukes were arguably the best team but Dryden goaltender Landon Pavlisin was unquestionably the best player.
Pavlisin stopped 38 shots to give the host Ice Dogs a 4-1 win over the Dukes in the opener for both teams at the “Dudley-Hewitt Cup” Eastern Canadian Junior “A” Hockey championships.
Wellington outshot Dryden 39-31 but only Daniel Panetta got through mid way in the third to put the Dukes within 2. Dukes defenceman Geoff Lawson assisted on the goal. He says Wellington has to quickly re-focus.
Wellington coach John Druce says his team has to stick to game plan when they meet the Thunder Bay North Stars this afternoon.
Thunder Bay opened with a 4-0 win over the Cochrane Crunch.
The winner of the “Dudley-Hewitt Cup” will advance to the national RBC Cup in Chilliwack B.C. later this month.
