Michelone Outstanding but Collingwood Perseveres for 5-3 Win

PICKERING, ON - Goaltender Ian Michelone #35 of the (Photo by Ray MacAloney / OJHL Images)

A huge power play goal for the Collingwood Blues proved to be the difference in this one as Ian Michelone had an exceptional game and did everything that he could to inspire Pickering to upset a strong Blues team. The Panthers made the most of their opportunities in the first period jumping ahead 2-0 on goals by Alex Colangelo and Quinn Binnie, but the Blues got one back with just over a minute remaining in the first to make it 2-1. Collingwood controlled much of the play in the second and outshot Pickering 16-8 but Michelone turned them aside time and time again until they finally scored to tie it up.

Owen Dunning (16th) put the Cats ahead 3-2 early in the third but the Blues again got the equalizer. Then came the key moment of the game – at the mid-point of the third, the Panthers took a roughing penalty after the whistle when Alex Colangelo was called for the infraction. It was an avoidable mistake at a crucial moment, as the Panthers needed discipline to maintain their lead, but instead, the penalty handed Collingwood a golden opportunity they capitalized on almost immediately. With the man advantage, Collingwood scored what proved to be the winning goal 12 seconds later. The Blues added a final goal into an empty net as the Panthers desperately tried to tie it up in the final minutes.

Ian Michelone faced 51 shots and the Panthers suffered their fifth straight loss. They will try to right the ship at home on Friday night January 31st as they face the Stouffville Spirit at 7:30 pm.