ERICH ACTON THE OT HERO AS BRAMPTON SNEAK PAST KITCHENER-WATERLOO

Save for a pair of victories against Six Nations, wins have been hard to come by for Kitchener-Waterloo. With just three on the season, one day after a humbling defeat in Toronto, KW arrived in Brampton. The Excelsiors played game three of six straight at home Friday. Kitchener fought back from an early deficit to keep the score close, even making Brampton score late to force overtime. In the extra frame, Erich Acton proved to be the hero, winning the game for the Excelsiors 12-11.

Brampton jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the first period, chasing starter Bryce Wismer. Bowie Horsman scored three times in the run, and added another assist. Before the period ended, however, Kaeden Burger found Kayden Tapp on the crease for a shorthanded goal, and Malikye Good hit a buzzer-beater to end the period 5-2 for Brampton.

In the second, it was KW’s turn for a run. After the teams traded goals early, Max Frattaroli scored on the power play. Good would score his second shortly thereafter, and then Chris Rathwell scored twice, the second on the power play. All told Kitchener scored four goals in 4:43 to end the second tied at seven.

The third period was back-and-forth and even saw KW take a two-goal lead through the midway mark. With the score 11-9 and just three minutes left, Nolan Byrne – fresh off a 10 point game earlier in the week – reached past his defender and sent a sidearm shot through the five-hole of Marcus Madill. With just over 30 seconds to play, a four-second crease call gave the ball to Brampton. The Excelsiors worked the ball around the horn, eventually finding Byrne who stepped around a screen and put a shot into the top corner forcing overtime.

In the extra period both defences and goaltenders were solid. Past the midway mark of the scheduled 10 minutes, Christopher Da Silva passed the ball across the floor to set up an outside quick-stick shot from Erich Acton who potted the winner, 12-11.

Nolan Byrne had another big night with seven points (4+3). Also with seven was Erich Acton (1+6). Bowie Horsman added five points (3+2).

Kitchener-Waterloo was led by Malikye Good (3+3) and Chris Rathwell (3+2).