The Rockland Nationals are one win away from advancing to the second round of the Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL) playoffs.
The Rockland Nationals have a 3-0 lead in their opening round postseason matchup against the Cornwall Colts, with a chance to wrap up the series when game four takes place on Thursday, March 27 in Cornwall.
Despite the chance for a sweep, each game has been decided by one goal, with game two needing overtime to decide a winner.
Game 1
The Nats hosted Cornwall for game one of the first-round matchup, with the visiting going into the third period with a 3-1 lead. Jacob Charron scored the game’s opening goal, giving the Nats a 1-0 lead, but Cornwall responded with three straight goals to take the lead in the second frame.
It was all Rockland after that. Joshua Penney, Anthony Hall and Gabriel Le Houillier scored for the home team, giving them a 4-3 win and a 1-0 series lead.
Game 2
The series shifted to Cornwall for game two, with the Colts looking for a chance to send the series back to Rockland tied at one.
After Raphael Tellier tied the game at two, the two teams needed overtime to settle this game.
And Rockland was able to win the matchup, thanks to James Marshall’s goal in the extra frame. The Nats won game two by a final score of 3-2.
Marshall was named the game’s first star, while Rockland captain Josh O’Connor was named the game’s second star after chipping in with two assists, including setting up the game winning goal.
Rockland outshot Cornwall 41-30 and sent the series back home with a chance at going up 3-0 in the series.
Game 3
As the series shifted back to Rockland for game three, it became a must win situation for Cornwall.
After Adam Walker scored the game’s first goal, giving Cornwall the early lead, Rockland stormed back, scoring four straight goals. Cornwall answered back, scoring twice, cutting Rockland’s lead to 4-3.
The Colts made it close, but the Nats were able to hold off a late surge by Cornwall, winning the game by a score of 6-5, and taking a 3-0 series lead.
Joshua Penney, Spencer Bowes, Rémi Gagné. Coben Bryan, Raphael Tellier, and Jacob Charron all scored for Rockland. The Nats now have a chance to end the series on the road in Cornwall on Thursday night.
