COCHRANE, Ont. – The visiting French River Rapids rallied late to tie it in the final minute of regulation then proceeded to strike early into overtime to pull out a dramatic 4-3 victory over the Cochrane Crunch Friday in Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League action at Tim Horton Events Centre.
Picking up the first power play of the night, French River opened the scoring 14 and a half minutes into the contest as Levi Siau notched his 15th of the campaign with assists going to Connor Loft and Ryan Smith.
Heading to the second stanza, Shadow Reuben tied it for Cochrane midway through the session with help from Jonas Leas who picked up his first point in his NOJHL debut and Baldino Aiello.
The Rapids went back in front on an effort supplied by Hunter Brazier to go up 2-1.
Once again the Crunch countered with the equalizer as Aiello drew the home side level at 16:59.
Moving to the third period, Cochrane went in front with four and a half minutes to go as Leas picked up his initial league tally.
However, picking up a late power play, French River tied the game with 32 seconds left with Will Frustaglio notching the equalizer to send it to extra time.
The Rapids then came right back and picked up the winner 24 seconds iton OT as Cameron Conover collected the decider to give the visitors the road win.
Loft and Leas both chipped in with two assists to help aid the clubs offensively.
French River netminder Carson Murison picked up the win in his first NOJHL appearance making 38 saves along the way.
Cochrane goaltender Bradley Dobson faced 29 shots in defeat for the Crunch, who did pick-up a point in the setback.
