GALLERY: Spencer strikes twice as Rock defeat Rapids

FRENCH RIVER – Linden Spencer scored twice, including the game-winner with 6:20 remaining in regulation, as the Timmins Rock went on to defeat the French River Rapids 5-3 Friday in a Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League encounter at Noelville Arena.

First period play saw French River get on the board first as Stephen Calisti collected his 12th goal of the year, which came during a two-man advantage.

Timmins got that back though four and a half minutes later on an Evan Kentish-Stack effort.

Heading into the second period the Rock tacked on a Spencer shorthanded marker followed by one at even strength courtesy of Paul Spadafora to go up 3-1.

However, Calisti’s second of the night brought the Rapids to within one at 11:27.

Moving on to the final frame, Max Lightfoot drew French River level six and a half minutes into the third.

It stayed tied until Spencer supplied the eventual difference maker at 13:40.

The Rapids pulled their netminder, Matty Mayhew, in an attempt to tie it and force overtime, but A.P. Frederic Leclair-Pouw iced it in the late going with an empty netter for his initial league tally to round out the night’s scoring.

Timmins affiliate player Austin Holmes chipped in with two assists while Donny Schultz had a couple of helpers in defeat for the Rapids.

Rock goaltender Jordan Yaremchuk made 33 stops to record his first NOJHL win while Rapids starter Matty Mayhew faced 36 shots in defeat.

Photos courtesy of  Dal Photography