BLAINE, Minn. – Michael Stubbs was the hero for the Thunder Bay minor midget Kings Saturday as he scored late in regulation to tie it, then proceeded to win it 35 seconds into overtime in a dramatic 3-2 victory over MDHL of Michigan in North American Prospects Hockey League under-16 action in Blaine, Minn.
An early power play allowed Thunder Bay to get on the board first as defenceman Matthew Halushak ripped one past MDHL netminder Sal Evola at 3:47 for the only tally of the session.
After a scoreless second period, MDHL tied it five minutes into the third on a Seth Lause shorthanded marker.
They then took the lead with four and a half minutes left in regulation thanks to Colin Stecco.
Down by one late, the Kings drew level with 37 seconds to go as Stubbs forced OT.
Riding the momentum of that Stubbs then ended it early in OT for his fourth goal early in the NAPHL season to give Thunder Bay the win.
Nicholas DeGrazia had two assists in the decision, including one on the game-winner, as he and Halushak combined set-up Stubbs.
Kings’ goalkeeper Eric Vanska made 20 saves to record the win while Evola saw 21 shots against in defeat.
The U-16 Kings, 2-0-1, will conclude their first weekend of NAPHL action Sunday at 10:15 a.m. vs. the Washington Capitals.
All NAPHL games are streamed online at HockeyTV.com
