Avon River Rats make decisive comeback in Game 4

WINDSOR, N.S. — The Avon River Rats put themselves right back into the Nova Scotia Regional Junior Hockey League semifinals with the Spryfield Attack after an impressive 5-0 shutout March 5 in Windsor.

The Avon River Rats celebrate a goal by Peter MacDougal in the first period of a game during the 2016/17 season. The team is getting ready for a busy season this year, with their first home game scheduled for Sept. 24, 2017.

The win enabled the River Rats to tie the Best of 7 series at 2-2, after losing 2-1 in Spryfield on March 4.

Adam Ferguson and Peter MacDougal scored first period goals to provide the River Rats a 2-0 lead.

The win enabled the River Rats to tie the Best of 7 series at 2-2, after losing 2-1 in Spryfield on March 4.

Adam Ferguson and Peter MacDougal scored first period goals to provide the River Rats a 2-0 lead.

Although no pucks got in the Avon River Rats net, a Spryfield Attack player found himself in one during the first period on March 5.

Just 32 seconds into the second period, Devon Pennell made it 3-0. Mitchell Urquhart added another second period goal. Taran Bailey, on the power-play, wrapped up the Rats scoring with 6:51 left in the game.

The teams were tied with 30 shots on goal each.

The River Rats’ goaltender, Carter McMullin, worked hard at times in earning the shutout.

The win sets the scene for a significant Game 5 in Windsor on March 7 at 9 p.m. Game 6 will be played March 8 in Spryfield. Game 7, if required, will be held March 9 at 9 p.m. at the Hants Exhibition Arena in Windsor.

Avon River Rats and Spryfield Attack players struggle for control of the puck along the boards while the River Rats’ Parker Connors, No. 89, falls down.

Tyler Comeau, No. 20 with the Avon River Rats, attempts to keep a Spryfield Attack player occupied while in front of his team’s net.

During the River Rats’ March 4 loss, Spryfield held period leads of 2-1 and 5-1. The Attack scored two goals in the opening four minutes of the game and two more in the opening five minutes of the second period. Tyler Dixon and Tyler Comeau, on the power-play, netted the goals for the River Rats who were outshot 38-30.