Thompson's Five-Goal Outburst Lifts NorthStars Over James Gang

By Gary Groob 

The Owen Sound NorthStars (6-4) traveled to face the Ennismore James Gang (2-8) in Ontario Series Lacrosse action Saturday afternoon at the Lakefield Arena in Lakefield, Ontario. 

The goaltending match-up had Gavin Clarke in net for Owen Sound facing Cole George in net for the James Gang. 

The Owen Sound NorthStars continued their strong season on Saturday, riding a dominant special teams performance and a monster outing from Riley Thompson to a convincing 12-7 victory over the Ennismore James Gang at Lakefield Arena. After jumping out to a quick 2-0 lead in the opening five minutes, the NorthStars weathered an early Ennismore push before closing the first period with two unanswered goals to take a 4-2 advantage. Owen Sound then seized complete control in the second frame, exploding for five goals, including four straight from Thompson, to build a commanding 9-4 lead heading into the final period.

Ennismore showed plenty of fight in the third, scoring twice in the opening five minutes to trim the deficit, but Owen Sound answered immediately and never allowed the James Gang to gain any momentum. Thompson finished with five goals and an assist to lead the attack, while Jake McNabb piled up four assists and a goal in a stellar playmaking performance. Ryan Voll added two goals and one assist, Brock McIlmoyle scored twice also adding a helper.  The NorthStars capitalized repeatedly with the extra man while outshooting Ennismore 65-44.

To The Game:

Owen Sound got rolling immediately with Riley Thompson finishing a Jordan Caskenette pass at 20 seconds, followed by Jake McNabb with a blast off an Andrew Kelly feed at 5:14.

Liam Vollans replied with a low to low laser off a Nick DiLauro pass 16 seconds later, followed by DiLauro himself with an outside blast off a Colton McNutt pass at 6:54 to tie the game.

Mason Kreller gave the NorthStars the lead once again on the power-play with a sidearm snipe off a Jake McNabb pass at 17:10, followed by Brock McIlmoyle in transition finishing a Ryan Voll feed at 18:00.

After one period, Owen Sound 4 Ennismore 2.
Shots on goal favored the NorthStars 24-15.

Second Period:

While Nick DiLauro got the James Gang within one on the power-play with a blast off a Daniel Clark pass at 3:23, the majority of the period belonged to the NorthStars. 

Riley Thompson led the way with four consecutive markers.   His second of the game came unassisted on a broken play at 4:52, followed by quick sticking a Mason Kreller pass with the man advantage at 6:37. 

Thompson's next tally came from the inside also on the power-play off a Jake McNabb pass at 11:05, followed by yet another Power-play marker off yet another McNabb feed at 13:20.  Ryan Voll then added a goal in transition off an Andrew Kelly pass at 16:31, breaking the game wide open.

The James Gang stopped the run with Robbie McGrayne firing a sidearm snipe to the corner off a Daniel Clark pass at 18:27.

After two periods, Owen Sound 9 Ennismore 4.
Shots on goal favored the NorthStars 27-13.

Third Period:

Ennismore got a strong start in the third period with Bryce Dennis converting a Matt Tamlin pass at 37 seconds, followed by Robbie McGrayne with his second of the game on the power-play off a Nick DiLauro pass at 4:53.

The NorthStars stormed back with Nathan Cloverdale finishing a Riley Thompson pass at 5:05, followed by Brock McIlmoyle in transition off a Jordan Caskenette feed at 6:36.  Ryan Voll then added his second of the night with an outside blast off a McIlmoyle pass shorthanded in transition at 13:37.

Nick DiLauro scored late for Ennismore with an unassisted blast at 19:22, but it was too little too late. 

Final score, Owen Sound 12 Ennismore 7.
Shots on goal favored the James Gang 16-14, for a game total of 65-44 in favor of Owen Sound. 

The Three Stars:

1. Riley Thompson 
2. Nick DiLauro 
3. Jake McNabb