Miners Force Game 5 with 4–2 Victory Over Blackstone Knights

Miners Force Game 5 with 4–2 Victory Over Blackstone Knights

The Miners took control in Game 4, defeating the Blackstone Knights 4–2 to force a winner-take-all Game 5 in this tightly contested series.

Both goalies seemed up to the task early in this one, as MacPhail and Chenhall looked poised to keep the game low scoring. The Miners gave the hometown crowd a great start when Logan Snow struck first at 17:21 of the opening period. The score would remain that way as both netminders held strong, keeping the game tight until midway through the second period, when Cape Breton West finally got on the board with an even-strength goal from Eugene Fraser at 7:10, tying the game 1–1.

The Miners regained the lead with Ty Clarke scoring on the power play with just over two minute to go in the period. Just under a minute later, Logan Struthers added a backbreaker, giving the Miners a 3–1 lead heading into the third period.

With the season on the line, Jacob Wolodka added an insurance goal at 12:43 of the final frame, extending the lead to 4–1. The Knights managed a late goal from Keenan Gillis, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit.

The Miners outshot the Knights 46–36. Kenzie MacPhail made 42 saves despite the loss for Cape Breton West, while Hunter Chenhall was stellar for the Miners, stopping 34 of 36 shots.

With the series now tied, all eyes turn to Game 5, where the winner will advance to the Vince Ryan Championship Series against Cape Breton County.