CARDINAL – The Morrisburg Lions opened and closed their pre-season with a pair of losses last week as the team prepares for their fourth season in the National Capital Junior Hockey League.
The Lions first took on the West Carleton Inferno on September 10th in Finch, where the Lions began their training camp.
Morrisburg took a 1-0 lead halfway through the first period when Tanner Barnett (from Noah Edmonds) found a way past West Carleton netminder Julien Wilson on a power play.
The Lions led until two minutes into the second frame when the Inferno blitzed goalie Justin Leclair for three goals in under two minutes, and took a 3-1 lead.
Morrisburg captain Brennan Markell (from Kylan Tavares and Barnett) cut West Carleton’s lead two minutes later. The Inferno answered back with two more goals late in the second period. Aaron Smith (from Jack Ingram and Justice Brownlee) scored with just over two minutes left in the period. The Lions trailed the Inferno into the third period 5-3.
Tavares’ had a breakaway goal early in the third period, bringing Morrisburg back to within one goal. Near the halfway mark of the period, the Inferno restored its two goal lead and added one goal with three minutes remaining, ensuring the 7-4 win.
Following that game, the Lions travelled to Cardinal to take on the South Grenville Rangers.
The Rangers opened the scoring later in the first period sending three goals by Leclair in four minutes to take a 3-0 lead. Scoring for the Rangers were Cooper Kingston, Jacob Servage, and Hayden Sayeau. Ingram (from Brownlee) put the Lions on the scoreboard in the final two minutes of the period. Morrisburg trailed South Grenville 3-1 throughout the second period.
The Rangers held the Lions scoreless throughout the third period, while scoring three goals (Servage, Matthew Berry, and Joe MacLean). South Grenville defeated Morrisburg 6-1.
Morrisburg opens its 2019-20 regular season against the North Dundas Rockets at the Robert Guertin Arena in Gatineau September 21st. The Lions host the Vankleek Hill Cougars at the Morrisburg Arena in its home opener September 28th.
