THUNDER BAY, Ont. – The Thunder Bay Kings wrapped up Round 1 of North American Prospects Hockey League play Sunday with a pair of victories.
Backed by the shutout performance of netminder Gunner Paradis, Thunder Bay’s Sportop minor midgets blanked the New Jersey Jr. Titans 4-0 while the Happy Time Tours major midget Kings skated to their second straight triumph by edging the Minnesota Loons 3-2.
In beating the Titans, Paradis turned aside all 20 shots he faced in earning the decision.
Zach Biniaris provided the game-winner for Thunder Bay vs. New Jersey with the lone marker of the first period.
After a scoreless second stanza, the Kings tacked on three more in the back half of the third to secure the decision as Biniaris connected on the power play while Brandon Boress, via the man advantage, and Josh Lehto, at even strength, a half-minute apart capped off the scoring.
The under-18 play saw Thunder Bay jump out to an early two-goal lead as Bryson Cataldo and Trystan Goodman both found the back of the net before the contest reached five minutes in.
After the Loons got one back, Alex Pineau converted on the man advantage late in the frame to put the Kings back up by a pair.
Following a scoreless middle session, Minnesota’s Louie Johnson collected his second of the day deep into the third to round out the scoring.
Shots on goal in the contest favoured Thunder Bay 28-19 with Connor Lemieux registering the win for the Kings.
The second round of NAPHL goes Oct. 19-22 back in Blaine.
