The Woodstock Navy Vets returned to the win column Friday night with a strong 5-1 victory over the Komoka Kings at Reeves Community Complex.
Woodstock got contributions throughout the lineup, while goaltender Landyn Quirk turned in a solid performance between the pipes to earn his first junior hockey victory.
Quick Start at Reeves
The Navy Vets wasted little time getting on the board.
Just 44 seconds into the game, newcomer Noah Aitas opened the scoring to give Woodstock an early 1-0 advantage. It was the 1st junior goal for Aitas.
Cole Shoup added to the lead later in the opening period, sending the Vets into the first intermission with a 2-0 advantage.
Woodstock continued to push in the second.
At the 7:15 mark, Jordan Vanderlip found the back of the net for his first goal of the season and 1st of his junior career, extending the lead to 3-0.
Komoka responded before the end of the period, cutting the deficit to 3-1 heading into the final 20 minutes.
Vets Put It Away in the Third
Woodstock restored its three-goal advantage in the third when Kyle Arthur ripped a shot home from the slot to make it 4-1.
Evan Giannone capped off the scoring later in the period with an impressive individual effort, extending the lead to 5-1 and putting the game out of reach.
The Navy Vets closed things out from there to secure the victory on home ice.
First Junior Win for Quirk
Landyn Quirk was solid throughout the night in the Woodstock crease, limiting Komoka to just one goal and giving the Vets a steady presence between the pipes.
The victory marked the 2009-born goaltender’s first win in junior hockey.
Quick Turnaround
There won’t be much time to enjoy the victory.
The Navy Vets are right back in action Saturday night as they hit the road for a matchup with the Elmira Sugar Kings.
After a strong response on home ice Friday, Woodstock will look to carry that momentum into another tough Western Conference matchup.
Final: Woodstock 5 — Komoka 1
