Deruelle the hero as the Bearcats even series with Bulldogs in triple overtime thriller

Mitch Deruelle was the hero as the Bearcats pull even in their best of seven series with the Antigonish Bulldogs after a triple overtime thriller.

Truro, NS - The Truro Bearcats evened their Northumberland Division Semi-Final series with the Antigonish Bulldogs at one game apiece following a 4–3 triple-overtime victory Sunday night at the Colchester Legion Stadium.

After a high-scoring Game 1 were the Bulldogs were the better team, both teams opened Game 2 with a structured and disciplined first period. Goaltenders Matt Welsh of Truro and Justin Sumarah of Antigonish set the tone early, turning aside all shots faced in the opening 20 minutes. Both sides earned power-play opportunities, but the penalty kills were effective, and the game remained scoreless after one.

The Bulldogs broke through 5:24 into the second period when a bouncing puck deflected off Welsh’s glove and over his shoulder to make it 1–0. Zach Fitzgerald scored his third of the playoffs for the Bulldogs. Less than two minutes later, Nick Mahar scored his second of the playoffs extending the lead to 2–0, tipping a feed from Cody Grant past Welsh.

Truro responded quickly. At 8:44 of the period, a passing sequence involving Stewart, Putnam and Mitch Deruelle set up Blackmore for a one-timer that cut the deficit to 2–1. Deruelle then tied the game 2–2 at 12:52, collecting a loose puck in the slot and beating Sumarah blocker side.

After 40 minutes, the teams were even at 2–2.

The Bearcats took their first lead of the series early in the third period. Shortly after a Truro power play expired, Cam Patton fired a shot through traffic that found the net for his first goal of the playoffs, giving Truro a 3–2 advantage.

Antigonish answered with 8:31 remaining in regulation when Mahar scored his second of the night to tie the game 3–3. Both teams generated late chances, but Welsh and Sumarah held firm, sending the game to overtime.

The first overtime period featured five-on-five play under league format rules. Despite sustained pressure from both sides, neither team was able to convert. In the second overtime, Antigonish struck the post and later received a power-play opportunity following a high-sticking penalty. The Bulldogs generated multiple chances, but Welsh and the Truro penalty kill preserved the 3-3 score as we would head into a third overtime period.

The game was decided only 25 seconds into the third overtime period. Erik Campbell carried the puck into the offensive zone and moved it to Mitch Deruelle, who fired a shot through traffic that beat Sumarah glove side to secure the 4–3 victory and evened the series 1-1.

Deruelle finished the night with two goals and one assist. Nick Mahar recorded two goals for Antigonish.

Justin Sumarah was brilliant all night despite the loss making 53 saves on 57 shots for the Bulldogs, while Matt Welsh stopped 48 of 51 shots for the Bearcats in the win.

Game 3 of the best-of-seven series is scheduled for Saturday, March 7 in Antigonish.

Final Score: Truro 4, Antigonish 3. 3OT