NORTH BAY - Chance Thomas scored three goals to lead the North Bay Trappers to a 6-5 win over the Abitibi Eskimos Monday night at the West Ferris Arena.
The home side jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first period, chasing Eskimos starting goalie Brody Wagner who stopped just four of the eight shots he faced.
Thomas, with a pair of goals, Zachary Shankar and Ryan Demyen provided North Bay with its opening-frame advantage.
The goaltending change appeared to pay dividends, as defenceman Brennan Roy scored 20 seconds after Thomas’ second goal of the period to cut the North Bay lead to 4-1.
Brady Clouthier scored the only goal of the second period, as the Eskimos cut the Trappers’ lead to 4-2.
Andrew Green further reduced the lead to 4-3 when he scored 55 seconds into the third period and Clouthier’s second goal of the game just under six minutes into the frame tied the score at 4-4.
The Eskimos were not able to complete their comeback, however, as Demyen’s second goal of the game put North Bay in front 5-4 and Thomas’ third of the game less than a minute later put the home side up by two goals.
Erik Robichaud’s power-play goal with less than seven minutes to play gave the visitors a little hope, but 6-5 would prove to be the final score.
Lucas Paulsen stopped 52 of the 57 shots the Eskimos fired his way to earn the victory, while Evan Cormier, who played the final 6:33 of the game, did not face a shot in relief of Paulsen.
Sylvain Miron, of the Eskimos, who came on in relief of Wagner blocked 39 of the 41 shots he faced, but was tagged with the loss.
The Eskimos went 1-5 on the power play, while the Trappers were 2-4 with the man advantage.
The Eskimos next game will be on Saturday night when they host the Espanola Rivermen at the Jus Jordan Arena.
Game time is 7:30 p.m.
