Photos: Marc-André Longval
HEARST, Ont. – The Hearst Lumberjacks got two goals from Robbie Rutledge, including the game-winner, as they prevailed 4-3 over the Timmins Rock Sunday afternoon in a Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League preseason matinee held at the Claude Larose Recreation Centre.
Timmins did open the scoring 3:22 into the contest thanks to Nicolas Pigeon with help from Chase Longhurst.
Answering back, Hearst struck three times before the first period came to a close on tallies from Rutledge, Liam McDonald and Tyren Grimsdale.
In the second stanza, veteran Rock forward Tyler Schwindt scored at 14:24 to bring the guests to within one after 40 minutes.
Moving to the final frame, Rutledge potted the eventual difference maker during a power play early in the period.
Picking up an extended five-on-three advantage in the late going, Timmins also opted to pull netminder Konrad Simard for a sixth attacker.
There they pressed the play, but were stymied for the most part by Hearst goalkeeper Liam Oxner along with a couple of key blocks by Lumberjacks’ defender.
The Rock did eventually break through just prior to the last of the penalties were about to expire on another Schwindt effort with 44 seconds to go.
However, the home side held firm from there and secured the victory.
Matteo Gennaro started in net for Timmins and handled 20 of 21 in just over 30 minutes of work while Oxner finished with 16 stops to pick up the win in relief.
Meanwhile Timmins goaltender Simard faced 29 attempts in defeat.