Western Caps snap losing streak

BERWICK, N.S. – The Summerside D. Alex MacDonald Ford Western Capitals got back on the winning track in the Maritime Junior Hockey League Saturday night.

Owen Gilhula and Luke Strickland each scored two goals, while captain Josh MacDonald scored on a penalty shot at the end of the second period and added an assist to lead the Caps to a 5-3 road win over the Valley Wildcats.

The victory snapped the Caps’ modest three-game losing streak – the team’s longest skid since September 2017.

The Capitals, who improved to 5-3-2, were scheduled to return to home ice tonight to host the Truro Bearcats (8-9-1) but the game was postponed Sunday due to the pending storm.

At the Kings Mutual Century Centre, the Capitals led 1-0 after the first period and extended that margin to 4-2 following 40 minutes.

Mark Hillier, Cole Edwards and Justin Ertel all contributed two assists. Chris McQuaid chipped in with a single helper.

Brant King scored twice to lead the Wildcats (5-81). Blake Deacon netted the other Valley goal. Jack Olson, Sonny Kabatay, Michael Johnson, Jordan Etheridge and Luke Wilson chipped in with helpers.

Nathan Torchia earned the win with a 22-save effort while Justin Bourque made 27 saves in the loss.

Summerside had a 2-for-4 summary on the power play, and Valley went 0-for-5. Elsewhere Saturday night, forward Sam MacNeill of Stratford scored two goals for the South Shore Lumberjacks in a 4-2 road loss to the Bearcats.

MacNeill earned secondstar honours in the game.

In 15 regular-season games, MacNeill has four goals and one assist for five points.

In Amherst, N.S., goaltender Tyler Caseley of Spring Valley made 47 saves as the hometown Ramblers dropped a 4-3 shootout decision to the Yarmouth Mariners.