The Woodstock Navy Vets battled back from an early deficit Saturday night but ultimately fell 6-3 to the Elmira Sugar Kings in a fast, physical matchup.
Elmira jumped out to an early advantage, scoring twice in the opening period to take a 2-0 lead into the first intermission.
Woodstock responded quickly in the second.
Just 34 seconds into the period, Jaxon Bagshaw ripped a snap shot home to get the Vets on the board and cut the deficit to one.
Elmira answered just 1:30 later to restore its two-goal advantage, but the Vets continued to push.
Hunter Currie found the back of the net with a well-placed shot for his first goal of the season and 1st of his junior career, bringing Woodstock back within one.
Bagshaw wasn’t finished.
Later in the period, the Vets attacked off the rush and Bagshaw finished a nice play for his second goal of the night and 5th of the season, completing the comeback and sending the teams into the second intermission tied 3-3.
Elmira Pulls Away in the Third
Woodstock generated opportunities early in the third and had chances to take its first lead of the night, but the Sugar Kings eventually broke through.
Elmira scored three unanswered goals in the final period to pull away and secure the 6-3 victory.
Landyn Quirk played his 2nd straight game of the weekend and made 25 saves.
Despite the result, the game featured plenty of back-and-forth action and physical play, with the Vets showing a strong response after falling behind early.
There were positives to build on, but also areas that will require continued work as the group heads back to the rink this week.
Another Home Doubleheader Ahead
The Vets will return to practice this week before another home doubleheader next weekend at Reeves Community Complex.
On Friday night, Woodstock will welcome the LaSalle Vipers to Anchortown before the Listowel Cyclones visit on Saturday.
Friday — vs. LaSalle Vipers
7:45 PM
Saturday — vs. Listowel Cyclones
7:45 PM
Both games will be played at Reeves Community Complex as the Vets look to get back in the win column on home ice.
