Petes Show Heart, Win Big

PETERBOROUGH, ON - The Peterborough Petes looked to be out of gas heading into the third period tonight against the visiting Kingston Frontenacs. That was until two quick goals by rookie sensation Matt Puempel gave them a new energy in front of 3,344 fans at the Peterborough Memorial Centre, propelling them to a big 7-4 victory against their division rivals.

The first period was dominated in large part by the maroon and white. Out-shooting the Frontenacs 13-8 and goals by Liam Heelis and Justin Larson gave the Petes a 2-1 lead heading into the first intermission.

The Frontenacs battled in the third period, out-shooting the Petes 17-8 but only managing to come away with a tie after two periods. Frontenacs forward Joe Pleckaitis scored his first of two on the night for the lone goal of the period.

Both teams exploded with offense in the third period. Puempel notched a pair just 2:20 apart for the quick two goal lead before a weak shot squeaked through Jason Missiaen's pads to cut the lead back to one. The Buckhorn Bandit Justin Larson would strike again just twenty-one seconds later as he stole the puck at the Frontenacs blue line and snapped a shot top shelf to restore the two goal lead. Once again the Frontenacs battled back with a quick response to cut the lead to one before goals by Jack Walchessen and Puempel's first Ontario Hockey League Hat-trick put the game away for the maroon and white.

Next action for the Petes is next Thursday when they play host to the Owen Sound Attack, 7:00 PM at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.