A weird start to this one, as the first Trenton shot on net rang off the post, and none of the Panthers could find it before Trenton potted the rebound 39 seconds into the first period. Special teams played a big part in the remainder of the game, as the Golden Hawks scored on 2 of their 7 power plays and added a short-handed goal. Zennon Edwards got a Pickering PP goal to tie it up, and Andrew Hill’s shot from the point found its way through traffic into the net (his first OJHL goal) to give Pickering a 2-1 lead at the first intermission.
Trenton jumped ahead midway through the second with a PP and SH goal, but Joseph Cadorin responded with a wraparound goal in the final minute of the period to make it 3-3. It didn’t look good when Trenton added another PP goal to go ahead 4-3 in the third, but the Panthers fought back as Kailin Chen streaked down the right wing, took a shot on net, and Owen Dunning fired in the rebound to tie the game at 4-4.
The first OT saw Pickering with a two-minute power play. They didn’t score, despite having numerous opportunities, but controlling the play seemed to give them confidence that they used throughout the remaining OT period to continue pressing in the offensive end.
The Cats, while satisfied with their effort and gaining a single point against one of the best teams in the conference, might be a little disappointed with not coming away with a victory. Every player gave it their all tonight, and they had outstanding goaltending, as Ian Michelone made 42 saves.
