NorthStars punch Ticket To OSL Semi-Finals With A Commanding Win Over The Cruise.

By Gary Groob 

The Collingwood Cruise faced the Owen Sound NorthStars in the third and deciding game of the Ontario Series Lacrosse playoffs at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Arena in Owen Sound, Ontario. 

The goaltending match-up had Dante Mancini in net for the Cruise facing Calum Leaver-Preyra in net for the NorthStars. 

Facing a winner-take-all Game 3 on home floor, the Owen Sound NorthStars delivered their most complete performance of the series, pulling away from the Collingwood Cruise for a convincing 10-4 victory. After a back-and-forth first period, the NorthStars erupted for seven unanswered goals over the second and third periods, fueled by a spectacular four-goal outing from Michael Blaymires and a six-assist performance from Carter Moran. Owen Sound's defense also rose to the occasion, shutting down the Cruise's attack and allowing just one goal over the final 32 minutes.

The win sends the NorthStars into the OSL semifinals with plenty of momentum after capturing the series two games to one. Owen Sound's relentless pressure at both ends of the floor, combined with timely scoring and disciplined defensive play, proved to be the difference as they earned a date with the Brooklin Merchants in the next round.

To The Game:

The Cruise got sailing early with Josh Sanchez converting a Graham Bergsma pass at 1:57, but a power-play marker from Michael Blaymires had this game tied at 4:57.

Andrew Kelly gave the NorthStars their first lead of the day with a blast off a Brayden Krueger pass at 9:05, but Josh Sanchez's second of the frame had the game knotted at two at 14:04.

Cohen Jennings gave Owen Sound the lead heading to the intermission with a laser from the outside off a Cam Sanderson pass at 17:53.

After one period, Owen Sound 3 Collingwood 2.
Shots on goal favored the NorthStars 10-8.

Second Period:

The NorthStars took over in the second period.   

Zack Gignac opened the scoring for Collingwood to tie the game at 3:29, but Jake Doolittle answered back for the NorthStars with a blast off a Carter Moran feed at 4:29.

Michael Blaymires continued the attack with back to back to back markers.  The first from the outside off a Moran feed at 9:56, followed by an unassisted tally off a loose ball at 11:38.  

Blaymires then hammered home a Carter Moran pass from the side of the net at 14:08, followed by Dawson McKenzie adding an in close blast off a Carter Moran pass at 17:27.

After two periods, Owen Sound 8 Collingwood 3.
Shots on goal favored the NorthStars 20-16.

Third Period:

Dawson McKenzie continued the NorthStars domination with a blast off a Jordan McMillen pass at 4:40, followed by Mason Kreller with a low bounced shot off a Jake Doolittle feed at 6:04.

Chris Harland got one back in transition off a long lead pass from Dante Mancini at 8:09, but that was all they could muster, as the NorthStars defense was stellar. 

Final score, Owen Sound 10 Collingwood 4.
Shots on goal favored the NorthStars 22-16, for a game total of 52-38 in favor of Owen Sound. 

The Three Stars:

1. Michael Blaymires 
2. Carter Moran 
3. Josh Sanchez 

Owen Sound wins the best of three series 2-1, and now faces the Brooklin Merchants in the Semi-Finals.