ST. JOHN’S, NFL – The Newfoundland Growlers needed extra time for the first time on Mile One Centre ice in franchise history Friday night taking a 3-2 shootout decision over the Fort Wayne Komets in the first of a three-game weekend series.
Adam Pardy kicked things off early by one-timing a blast past former Growler Eric Levine at 1:46 of the first period giving the Growlers a 1-0 lead. Josh Kestner looked to double the Growlers lead at 9:45 of the opening period, but was robbed by Levine on his breakaway attempt.
J.C. Campagna tied the game with his 22nd of the season squeaking the puck short-side on Eamon McAdam at 11:02.
Kristians Rubins re-stored the Growlers lead with 5:27 remaining in the first period after firing a point shot through traffic giving the home team a 2-1 lead after 20 minutes of play.
The second period was scoreless, despite the Growlers having four power plays. Matt Bradley looked to have put the Growlers up 3-1 at 7:12 of the second period, but the goal was waved off due to a Growlers player in the goal crease.
Campagna fired his second of the night past McAdam at 10:18 of the third period tying the game at 2-2, which stood as the only goal in the third period and the goal that sent the game into extra time.
A five-minute three-on-three overtime solved nothing, so a shootout was needed where Scott Pooley fired the winner past Levine in the seventh-round for a 3-2 Growlers win.
Quick Hits: Sam Jardine made his Growlers debut after being re-assigned by the Toronto Marlies… The Growlers were 0/7 on the power play… The three stars were 3 – J. Campagna (FW), 2 – K. Rubins (NFL) and 1 – S. Pooley (NFL)
What’s Next: The Newfoundland Growlers continue their seven-game home stand Saturday night with a rematch against the Komets. Puck drop is 7 p.m. NST.
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