THUNDER BAY – The Madison Capitols stormed out to an early three-goal lead then held off a comeback bid by the Thunder Bay major midget Kings before prevailing 4-3 in the opening game of the CCM AAA midget Christmas Showcase Friday at Fort William First Nation Arena.
It was all Madison in the first half of the opening period as they connected three times in just over an eight-minute span to take early control.
Matt Gruber got the Capitols goings 60 seconds after the opening face-off before teammate Jack Michels upped the cushion at 2:04.
The visitors kept coming and saw Gruber and Michels combine to set-up Hunter Leonhard midway through the frame to make it 3-0.
Thunder Bay got one back at 12:15 thanks to the efforts of Peter Hannula.
The Kings then pulled to within one five and a half minutes into the middle stanza when Robert Tyska fed Jacob Anttonen.
However, Madison countered late in the period with Michels collecting his second of the night, which also proved to be the eventual game-winner.
Michael Moga brought the home side close in the latter stages of the third, but the Capitals held on from there to secure the win in the opener of their three-game set.
Gruber and Nathan Brown chipped in with two assists each for Madison.
Nate Severtson was the winning goaltender in the match-up while Jordan Smith suffered the loss.
The same two teams will meet twice Saturday, at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. back at First Nation Arena.
Thunder Bay’s minor midgets also play two times Saturday as they take on the under-16 Madison side at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., also at FWFNA.
CCM AAA Midget Christmas Showcase – Schedule
All games at Fort William First Nation Arena
Saturday, Dec. 16
Madison Capitols U-16 vs. Minor Midget Kings 9 a.m.
Madison Capitols U-18 vs. Major Midget Kings 11 a.m.
Gentry Academy Galaxy vs. Midget AA Queens 1 p.m.
Madison Capitols U-16 vs. Minor Midget Kings 4 p.m.
Madison Capitols U-18 vs. Major Midget Kings 6 p.m.
Gentry Academy Galaxy vs. Midget A Queens 8 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 17
Madison Capitols U-16 vs. Minor Midget Kings 9 a.m.
Gentry Academy Galaxy vs. Midget AA Queens 11 a.m.
