Gonchar, Sudbury Drop OT Heartbreaker
Sudbury defenseman Artem Gonchar was the lone bright spot for Rangers prospects on Tuesday night. Game three between Sudbury and Brantford was the most dramatic game of the night. The Wolves held a 4–2 lead in the third period before the Bulldogs rallied. Sudbury forced overtime with an extra‑attacker goal in the final minute of regulation. Gonchar had one assist, two shots, a plus‑2 rating and an interference minor.
His assist came on Sudbury’s fourth goal, giving him three assists in three playoff games. Brantford scored three times in the third to take a 5–4 lead before Sudbury tied it late. The Bulldogs won 6–5 on a power‑play goal at 3:40 of overtime. Brantford leads the series 3–0 and has Sudbury facing elimination. Despite the loss, Gonchar’s strong play continues to boost his rising stock. He has earned a look in Hartford once Sudbury’s season ends. Game four is Thursday in Sudbury.
Greentree Quiet as Windsor Edges Guelph
Windsor captain Liam Greentree was held without a point in a 2–1 win over Guelph. The Spitfires now hold a 3–0 lead in the first‑round series. Greentree had five shots and a minus‑1 rating in the win. He has scored in 16 of 21 games since joining the Rangers’ prospect pool. Windsor can finish the series Thursday in Guelph.
Passmore Quiet in Colts’ Win
Barrie forward Evan Passmore went scoreless in a 5–2 win over Niagara. The Colts regained home‑ice advantage and lead the series 2–1. Passmore recorded one shot in the victory. Game four is Thursday in Niagara.
Boilard’s Eagles Drop Game Three
Cape Breton center Raoul Boilard was held without a point in a 4–2 loss to Newfoundland. The Regiment now lead the series 2–1 after reclaiming home‑ice advantage. Boilard had two shots, a minus‑2 rating and one credited hit. He went 8–7 on faceoffs in the loss. Game four is Wednesday in Cape Breton.
Flint Looks to End Owen Sound
Wednesday will also be the Flint Firebirds chance to sweep the Owen Sound Attack in four games. Jacob Battaglia (3-7-10) and Nathan Aspinall (4-5-9) have been a nasty 1-2 punch for the Firebirds thus far.
A win and it looks to set up a second round matchup between Flint and Liam Greentree’s Windsor Spitfires. A battle of Rangers prospect captains will be fun to watch.
