Kopcok leads Habs in return home

It was successful return to Lakeshore for MichaelKopcok, who lead the Canadiens to 4-2 win over the Wheatley Sharks in their PJHL season opener.

“It feels good,” Kopcok told Powerplay Sports. “It’s an homour for sure playing for the hometown team and wearing the letter.”

The 20-year old played three seasons for the London Nationals before coming home for school at the University of Windsor.

First Period: Early Advantage for the Canadiens

It didn’t take long for the Canadiens to get started. Kopcok opened the scoring at 3:57, burying a power-play goal with assists going to Evan Fenech and Nicholas Graniero. Evan Cote doubled the lead to 2-0 at 17:30 from Kyle Kelly and Owen Bentley.

The Canadiens struck again before the period ended as Brandon Leblanc capitalized on a second power-play opportunity at 19:52, from Graniero and Kopcok, pushing Lakeshore’s lead to 3-0.

Second Period: Sharks Respond, But Canadiens Answer Back

The Sharks weren’t ready to go quietly. At 11:14, Brendan Gouin scored on the power play to make it 3-1, with assists from Riley Zanier and Vito Alfano.

However, the Canadiens quickly regained their three-goal advantage at 14:18. Kopcok netted his second of the night, with Leblanc and Graniero picking up the assists to make it 4-1.

Third Period: Sharks Late Push, Canadiens Hold On

With the game winding down, Gavin Wasylyk roofed a nice shot at 17:48, cutting the deficit to 4-2. But the Canadiens would hold on for the win.

Final Score:

Lakeshore Canadiens 4Wheatley Sharks 2

“It’s early in the year. We’re trying to create our identity here,” said Lakeshore head coach Brent Walker. “We got some new guys and I think when we got into the flow and stayed out of the box things started to go our way. We got some good players that have come in and we’re a big team and we’re trying to create our identity and play a 200 foot game.”

“Opening night, we knew they’d be fired up and ready to go, we probably could do a better job. We got in some penalty trouble, but all in all the kids played hard and we got some shots. We’ll keep working.” Said Sharks head coach Brad Hyatt. “ We’re just trying to get connected, get the boys playing together. Systems. Going to continue working on that and we’ll be OK.”

Key Takeaways:

• Michael Kopcok was the standout performer of the night, tallying two goals and an assist.

• Nicholas Graniero was the playmaker, racking up three assists.

• The Canadiens’ power play clicked early, converting on two of their seven opportunities, while Wheatley went one-for-five.

  
  

Next Up: Lakeshore will head to Walpole Island Thursday before hosting Mooretown next Friday. Wheatley hosts Amherstburg Wednesday.