Jeff Gard/Today’s Northumberland
The Northumberland Stars have taken a commanding 3-1 series lead in the Greater Metro Jr. A Hockey League final and are on the verge of clinching their first Russell Cup championship.
Friday night in Wasaga Beach, the Stars earned a decisive 6-1 victory over the Wasaga River Dragons in Game 4 of the best-of-seven GMHL final.
After a scoreless opening period, Northumberland broke through just under five minutes into the second when Dawson Hettiarachchi capitalized on a shorthanded breakaway. Wasaga responded on the power play with a goal from Graham Rooney at 9:22, briefly tying the game. Tristan Miron restored the Stars’ lead late in the frame with a power-play marker at 17:04.
The third period belonged entirely to Northumberland. Brendan Collins struck early at 1:38, followed by goals from Ryan Boon (5:23) and Collins again (6:48), effectively putting the game out of reach. Zennon Edwards capped the scoring at 13:53, finishing a standout performance that also included two assists.
Matt Mazzotta matched Edwards with a pair of helpers.
Goaltender Ivan Kremnev made 25 saves to secure the win.
The Stars generated consistent offensive pressure, outshooting the River Dragons 41-26, including a dominant 21-shot effort in the second period. Northumberland scored four times on 10 shots in the third while Wasaga managed just six shots in the final frame.
Game 5 is set for Saturday night at the Keeler Centre in Colbrone where the Stars will look to close out the series and clinch the title on home ice. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
RUSSELL CUP SCHEDULE
(Northumberland leads 3-1)
Friday, March 20
Northumberland 7 Wasaga 6
Saturday, March 21
Northumberland 3 Wasaga 1
Tuesday, March 24
Wasaga 6 Northumberland 4
Friday, March 27
Northumberland 6 Wasaga 1
Saturday, March 28
Wasaga at Northumberland, 7:30 p.m. at Keeler Centre in Colborne
Monday, March 30
*Northumberland at Wasaga, 7 p.m. at Wasaga Stars Arena
Tuesday, March 31
*Wasaga at Northumberland, 7:30 p.m. at Keeler Centre in Colborne
