AMHERST – The Amherst CIBC Wood Gundy Ramblers rebounded from a slow start to score five unanswered goals en route to a 5-1 win over the Metro Shipbuilders in Maritime Junior Hockey League action here Saturday.
The win came less than 24 hours after the Ramblers rallied to force overtime late and score in the shootout to defeat the first-place Yarmouth Mariners 3-2 in Yarmouth.
“It’s been a big week for us,” Ramblers’ coach Jim Bottomley said following Saturday’s game. “Imagine how big it would have been if we’d taken care of that third period last Saturday against Yarmouth. These guys showed a lot of character to come back they did and win four games this week.”
Mike Molloy opened the scoring for the Shipbuilders 7:35 into the opening period when took advantage of a four-minute power play to beat Ramblers’ goalie Chase Marchand to give Metro the early 1-0 lead.
“The first period was a little scary, but we had a little talk in the dressing room after the period and said we had to get some offence going,” Bottomley said. “We had two goals really quick and added another one later in the period.”
Ben Berisha tied the game just 15 seconds into the second period when he beat the Metro goalie on a high shot with Kody Orr and Mitch O’Neill adding assists.
Amherst took its first lead when Brett Shute was left alone out front and scored a shorthanded marker with Jeff MacPherson and Willie MacDonald adding assists at 2:28.
Danny Harquail rounded out scoring in the second with newcomer Morgan Walker and MacDonald setting him on a power play marker.
Maxime Richard scored a nice goal 6:04 into the final period when he carried the puck through the slot and backhanded a shot over the Shipbuilders’ goalie with MacPherson and Patrick Harrison adding helpers.
Orr rounded out scoring from Ryan Caswell and Josh Pugsley with just 46 seconds to play.
Amherst outshot Metro 36-26.
Amherst is off until Saturday when the Weeks Crushers come to the Amherst Stadium. The Ramblers are in Truro on Sunday to face the Bearcats.
“We’ll work hard all week to get ready. These guys are keen and playing well right now and we’ll be doing everything we can to keep them up,” Bottomley said.
