Nickel Barons fall to Trappers

The North Bay Trappers and Sudbury Nickel Barons have fought tooth and nail throughout the 2012-2013 season to try and establish something of an advantage over their nearby rivals.

On Feb. 20, at the McClelland Arena in Copper Cliff, with the post-season fast approaching, things were no different.

A second-period power-play goal by Corbin Bean snapped a 1-1 tie, and Trevor Hunt iced the contest, nailing the empty net with 29 seconds to play as the visitors dumped the Barons 3-1.

Sudbury opened the scoring midway through the first courtesy of a goal from defenceman Michael Rouleau, with Darcy Haines and Martin Jolicoeur picking up the assists.

North Bay drew even less than five minutes later as Tait Seguin capitalized with the man advantage, finishing off a three-way passing play that also included Beau Orser and Samuel Blanchet.

The Trappers, who went 2-6 on the power play in the game, picked up the victory on the strength of their specialty teams, holding the Barons to an 0-6 evening on power plays awarded to the home side.

The win was a big one for North Bay, which moved two points ahead of the Soo Thunderbirds with both teams having six games still to play.

The Trappers and Barons close out a home and home set Feb. 22 in North Bay, with puck drop set for 7 p.m. at the Memorial Gardens.

In other NOJHL action from Wednesday night, Tanner Lafrance enjoyed a five-goal game as the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners embarassed the Abitibi Eskimos 17-1.

Kirkland Lake sits just one point back of Sudbury in the battle for third place, though the Barons hold four games in hand.

The league also confirmed that March 13 will serve as the rescheduled date for the Gold Miners-Barons game that was originally scheduled for Jan. 30.