Maine Nordiques cruise to victory over Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks
May 8—Isaiah Fox celebrated his 100th career game in the North American Hockey League game in style.
The Maine Nordiques' 20-year-old forward scored and added an assist in a 5-1 victory over the Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks at The Colisee in Lewiston.
"Isaiah continues to be a leader for us, on and off the ice," Nordiques coach Nolan Howe said. "He done a great job this year, he has come a long way from his rookie season last year. We are looking forward to him staying hot as we head to the playoffs."
Stefan Owens also finished with a goal and an assist for the Nordiques.
The Nordiques are now 34-19-2 and are in second place in the NAHL East Division. Danbury currently sits in sixth place with a 18-25-5 record.
Off assists by Fox and Shaun McEwen, Owens scored 34 seconds into the game to put Maine up 1-0.
Fox extended the lead 2-0 four minutes into the second period. Cannon Green and Owens were credited with assists. All three players involved in that goal are in their final year of junior hockey eligibility.
"It was fun for them, being celebrated as 2000-born, and for Cannon, Stefan Owens and Fox to connect for (a) goal. It's indicative of why they are so special to our organization," Howe said.
Aidan Connolly extended the Nordiques' advantage to 3-0 with a goal, set up by Tyler Gaulin and Andrew Noel, midway through the second frame.
Noel scored his second goal of the season early in the third period.
Defenseman Hunter Carrick scored the Nordiques' fifth goal of the game a little past the five-minute mark.
About a minute later, Porter Schachle scored his 16th goal of the season to put Danbury on the scoreboard.
Goalie Avery Sturtz stopped 20 shots for the Nordiques, while Andrew Pichora made 30 saves for Danbury.
"(Avery) continues to be good for us every time he's called upon," Howe said. "He always gives us a chance to win. It was a shame that we couldn't hold the shutout for him, but he competed all the way to the end — and made some big saves for us when the game was 1-0 in the first period."
The Nordiques wrap up the regular season tomorrow at 1 p.m. against the Jr. Hat Tricks at The Colisee.
Three Maine Nordiques Academy players suited up for the NAHL squad Friday: 18U defenseman Easton Zeuger and goalie Ansel "Gus" Holt, who served as Sturtz's backup, and 16U forward Zion Green.
"It's a great experience for them heading into next season," Howe said. "We will even have more in the lineup tomorrow. The future is bright here and it speaks to the academy developing these players, having them be ready to step in to take on a role here."
The team also brought in 16-year-old defenseman Shaun McEwen from the Seacoast Spartan Academy (Exeter, New Hampshire) 16U team.
