The Sarnia Legionnaires picked up a valuable point on the road Saturday. Coach Jeff Perry's Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League squad lost a 2-1 overtime decision to the Wheatfield Blades.

Despite the setback, the Sarnians picked up a point in the standings by virtue of the fact that they made it to the fourth period. They now have a 3-2-3 record, good enough for nine points and a share of first place with the London Nationals in the league's Western Conference. The Nats have two games in hand.

Sarnia netminder Kyle Washer and Wheatfield goaltender Matt Meienbacher were both flawless through 40 minutes of scoreless action. But midway through the final frame, Kyle Kozlowski gave the Blades a 1-0 lead.

file photo by Troy Shantz Photography
www.troyshantz.com

With Washer on the bench in favour of a sixth attacker, veteran rearguard Josh Cornelissen tied the game with his first goal of the season. Captain Tyler Cicchini and Chase Clark drew assists.

Joel Wetmore got the winner for the Golden Horseshoe Conference Blades just 1:06 into overtime.

• Two Legionnaires were ejected from the game. Tanner Tomlinson was lost in the first period for fighting and Andy Sokol was kicked out in the third frame for checking from behind.

• Attendance was 340, which is a good crowd by Wheatfield standards. In fact, the Blades often play in front of less than 100 fans.

• Shots on goal favoured the home team by a count of 32-29.

• All three stars were from Wheatfield, despite the fact that the game was exceptionally close from start to finish.

• The Legionnaires return to action next Thursday October 1, when they face the Strathroy Rockets at the Sarnia Arena. Game time is 7:30 p.m.  This game will feature the Sarnia Lambton Sports Hall of Fame.  Watch for more news later this week.

• On Friday, Oct. 2 they travel to Forest to take on the Lambton Shores Predators.