Tim Alexander Memorial Tournament: Hudson Holds Off Avon Lake Rally 6-5 To Stay Unbeaten

ROCKY RIVER – Hudson kept on rolling today in day two of the Tim Alexander Memorial Tournament with two more victories.  This brings their current tournament record to 3-0 with victories over Mentor, Olmsted Falls and Avon Lake.  This sets up the huge matchup tomorrow against tournament host Rocky River at 12:00 pm.  The Pirates are also 3-0 in the tournament.

The Explorers defeated the Olmsted Falls Bulldogs 6-3 this morning, and then came back tonight to hold off a furious rally by Avon Lake to beat the Shoremen 6-5 in thrilling fashion.

The Explorers started the scoring midway through the first period with a goal by Luke Karnofel.  Less then a minute later they would cash in a power play.  This time it was Sully Clark tipping it in to give the Explorers a commanding 2-0 lead.

Already up by a deuce, the Explores kept the pressure on looking for more.  It wouldn’t be until the periods final minute, but they did find the net again.  With less then a minute to go it was Brady Ludewig finishing the periods scoring action and extending the lead to 3-0 as we headed to the break.

The second period remained scoreless until a 5:00 minute major was assessed to Miles Harr creating a power play chance for the Shoremen.  They would take advantage and cut the lead to 3-1 just moments later.

Hudson remained unfazed however, and got the goal back less then 90 seconds later.  It was Luke Karnofel scoring off of a assist from Joe Collins and Brad Ludewig.  Avon Lake rebounded again however, and cut the lead to 4-2 with 4:42 remaining.  A wild 60 second stretch that saw three combined goals.

Up 4-2, Hudson refused to take their foot off the gas pedal and scored one more time before the second period was over on a Blake Lori Notch with only 45 seconds remaining.  Hudson led 5-2 after two periods of play.

Once again it was Lori finding the back of the net in the opening moments of the third period to extend the lead to a commanding 6-2 advantage.  It was then the Shoremen attempted a furious rally, but it would fall short and the game would finish 6-5.

Hudson wraps up tournament play with the big one tomorrow against Rocky River at 12pm, while Avon Lake looks for their first win of the weekend against Solon at 10:15am.

Scoring Summary
1st – 12:42 – Hudson
1st – 9:27 – PP – Hudson
1st – 1:19 – Hudson
2nd – 6:23 – Nick Ospelt from Tommy Kacmarcik
2nd – 5:05 – PP – Hudson
2nd – 4:47 – Adam Kelly from Tim Lubertozzi and Colin Reynolds
2nd – 0:45 – PP – Hudson
3rd – 12:17 – Hudson
3rd – 11:09 – Jacob Schaltenbrand from Brian Walasinski and Justin Share
3rd – 6:24 – PP – Justin Share from Nick Ospelt
3rd – 1:20 – Tim Lubertozzi

Avon Lake Game Leaders
Goals – 5 players (#9, 13, 14, 16, 58) – 1
Assists – 6 players (#7, 9, 13, 14, 42, 71) – 1
Shots – Nick Ospelt – 4
Saves – Dillon Aslaksen – 37

Avon Lake Team Stats
Power Plays – 1 for 5
Shorthanded Goals – 0
Penalties (min) – 5 (10)
Shots on Goal – 21
Face Offs Won – 16 of 47