ST CATHARINES ATHLETICS END LOSING STREAK IN HOME WIN AGAINST SIX NATIONS

The Six Nations Arrows travelled to St Catharines Saturday night having won just once in their last eight games. The lone win? Over the Athletics, who lost nine straight since an opening night win in Brampton. In a tight defensive battle, it was the A’s who ended their losing streak with a 7-6 win.

Already down 2-0, the Arrows took a penalty that resulted in Zackary Toll’s goal 3:25 into the period – the third off four shots. For the first time this season, Sakaronhiotane Thompson was replaced by Ethan Robertson. Just 1:25 after the switch Toll scored his second goal of the game. I would take another seven minutes for McCay Jimerson to get Six Nations on the board. However, Toll would complete his hat trick moments later. A late Thunder Hill closed the gap to 5-2 St Catharines after one.

With the game getting rough in the second period, the only two goals (one per side) were scored on special teams. First, the A’s Colton Armitage potted a power play marker two minutes into the period, and Blayze Becker scored shorthanded for Six Nations just past the halfway mark. The Athletics still led 6-3 heading into the third.

It took nearly nine minutes for Matthew Hamill to open the scoring in the third. Hill would follow soon thereafter, and Winter Rivera later in the period as the Arrows tied the game at six. But, with just three minutes to play, Keaton Zavitz scored giving St Catharines the lead and, eventually, its first win since May 17.

Zackary Toll led the As with five points (3+2), his third hat trick in six games this season. Coltin Armitage (2+1), Jack Parker (1+2) and captain Keaton Zavitz (1+2) all had three points. Ty Wilson made 41 saves for his first win of the season and third of his OJLL career.

In 55:39 of work, Ethan Robertson allowed just four goals, stopping 37 of 41 shots faced.