CORNWALL, Ontario – The first-place Nationals were in a giving mood on Saturday night. Cornwall fell 2-1 to the Port Huron Prowlers in Federal Hockey League action at the Civic Complex.
The Nationals (9-3-0-2) were dealt their first regulation loss of the season on home ice in front of 602 fans.
Cory Simons came out on top in a rare FHL goaltending battle, turning aside 37 shots to earn the victory in goal for the Prowlers. Cornwall outshot Port Huron 38-36.
Dalton Jay opened the scoring for Port Huron as he banged in a rebound to beat Sebastien Dube-Rochon with 4:06 to play in the first period.
Moments after Cornwall’s Eric Witzel was sent to the penalty box for high sticking, Auston Daae tipped a shot past Dube-Rochon for a powerplay marker to give the Prowlers at 2-0 lead at 7:27 of the middle frame.
The Nationals came out strong in the third period as captain Ahmed Mahfouz buried a perfect feed from Maxime Guyon 2:50 into the period. But it was all the offence Cornwall could create on the evening.
Simons (first), Dube-Rochon (second) and Daae were the announced stars.
NEXT WEEKEND: The Nationals are back in action on Boxing Day when they visit the Watertown Wolves. Cornwall is back on home ice on Sunday, Jan. 7 when the North Shore Knights visit the Civic Complex. The puck drops at 7:30 p.m.
