After three days of scrimmaging twice daily, the Soo Greyhounds held their annual Red-White game on Sunday evening at Memorial Gardens.
The annual game saw Team White squeak out a hard fought 5-4 victory over Team Red. The win made up for their 2-1 loss last year at the hands of Team Red.
The game featured a little bit of everything including plenty of scoring, hard hitting action and even a fight between David Jarram of Team White and Matt Leszczynski of Team Red.
Team White opened up an early lead in the first period as local product Mark Thorburn, bother of Buffalo Sabres prospect Chris Thorburn, converted a cross-ice feed from Drew Jarrett at 2:47 to make the score 1-0.
Later in the period, with Team White enjoying a two-man advantage after referee Scott Thibeault nabbed Jordan Smith for a hook and then Brandon MacLean for interference, Jacob King made the score 2-0 as he deflected home a point shot from Martin Tuma.
Reg Thomas made the score 3-0 for Team White scoring in the final minute of the period on veteran Hound netminder Jakub Cech.
Team Red opened the second period with some good chances and was rewarded when Jason Pitton scored to cut the lead to 3-1.
After Sean Smyth scored at 2:47 to make the score 4-1, Team Red went on an offensive tear as Pitton, Matt Puntureri and Brett Connolly each scored to tie the game at 4-4.
Again in the final minute of the period, Team White converted to take the 5-4 lead as veteran Andrew Desjardins scored at 19:25 to send the game into the third period with Team White leading.
The third period saw Team White hold an 11-6 shot advantage but neither team would find a way to score again as Team White held on for the 5-4 victory.
Team Red did have some quality chances in the third to tie the game but could not beat Tea White goaltender Dan McWhinney.
The Red-White game wraps up the scrimmages for the Greyhounds as they now prepare to open up their exhibition schedule on Friday evening when the Sudbury Wolves are in town to take on the Greyhounds in a 7:30 p.m. Start.
The two teams, who face each other four times prior to the start of the season, will do battle again on Sunday in the Nickel City.
The Hounds open up the Ontario Hockey League regular season on Friday, September 24 when the Erie Otters make their only appearance at Memorial Gardens.
*** HOUNDS ANNOUNCE FIRST CUTS:
Following the Red-White game, the Greyhounds announced the first set of cuts as they released 10 players which reduced the total number of players on the roster to 30.
Released were goaltenders Tyler Gordon, Dan McWhinney and Louie George, defencemen Tyler Lannigan, Dan McIntyre and Matt Kristufek along with forwards Adam Kneale, Mike MacMillan, Sean Bassingthwaite and Mark Thorburn.