Adam Prudhomme
Editor
The visiting Port Hope Panthers made quite the statement in Game 1 of the PHJL Tod Division semifinals on Tuesday, stealing a 3-1 victory over the top-seeded Napanee Raiders.
Port Hope’s Clayton Farrow scored the first goal of the series with just over a minute left in the first period to get the visitors rolling.
That momentum carried over into the second period when Isaac Langdon doubled the lead less than two minutes into the frame. Tyler McGarvey tacked on Port Hope’s third goal just shy of the seven-minute mark.
Marshal McFarland got the Raiders on the board at the 13:11 mark with an assist from Cameron Krupa.
That was all they’d muster against Panthers goalie Joseph Clark who finished with 25 saves. Bailey Maracle took the loss for Napanee, allowing all three goals on 24 shots.
For Napanee, who enjoyed a first round playoff bye, Tuesday marked their first game action since March 4’s regular season finale. They’ll have to find their legs quickly as Game 2 of the best-of-seven series takes place tomorrow night at 8:30 p.m. at Port Hope’s Jack Burger Sports Complex.
The series returns to Napanee’s SPC on Friday for Game 3 at 7:30 p.m.