Cambridge Redhawks forward Joey Warywoda carries the puck into Elmira territory. Warywoda had two goals, including the game-winner, on Thursday vs. the Sugar Kings. (Photo by Censational Photography)

Redhawks edge Sugar Kings in double overtime

Jacob Coulson and Joey Warywoda scored twice, including the overtime winner, to lead the Cambridge Redhawks over the Elmira Sugar Kings, 4-3, in Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League action Thursday night in Cambridge. 

Coulson opened the scoring eight and a half minutes into the first period, depositing his fifth goal of the season behind Elmira goalie Greg Brassard. Warywoda doubled the lead ten minutes later, scoring off assists from Noah Arsenault and Payton McLeish, and the Redhawks closed out the first period leading 2-0, while outshooting the Sugar Kings 12-5. 

The second period began quietly, with both teams playing solid defensively and killing off a penalty each. Coulson would add to Cambridge’s lead with just over four minutes left in the frame, scoring his second of the game again assisted by Jack McTiernan and Nolan Forster. Responding quickly, Mason McMahon got Elmira on the board, scoring unassisted just 56 seconds after Coulson’s tally, and the period again ended with Cambridge owning a two-goal lead. 

Powerplays were the story of the third, as Hunter Dubecki capitalized on a Cambridge tripping penalty early in the period to bring Elmira within a goal. Harrison Toms and Jeremey Goodwin earned assists. Another Redhawks tripping call gave Elmira a chance to pull even with eight minutes to play, and the Sugar Kings didn’t miss their opportunity. Brody Waters scored his 10th of the year from Toms and Jacob Black, and Elmira came all the way back to tie the game, 3-3. 

After four-on-four overtime solved nothing, the teams moved to three-on-three for a second five-minute period. In double overtime Cambridge controlled the play off the opening faceoff, moving the puck around from Andrew Casasanta, to McLeish, and finally to the stick of Warywoda who walked in and scored his second of the game, giving Cambridge the 4-3 victory. 

Mike Leach stopped 18 shots in goal for Cambridge earning the win, while Brassard stopped 24 in a losing effort for Elmira. The single point puts the Sugar Kings one point clear of Kitchener for first place in the Midwestern Conference, while Cambridge moves into a tie for third with Listowel after the win. Both teams are on the road tonight, with Cambridge visiting the Cyclones and Elmira travelling to Stratford.