Canadians get back to .500 mark

From the time of his arrival back home, veteran forward Ryan Erickson has insisted that it was more than just his leadership that was needed, as he captains the Rayside-Balfour Canadians this year.

With the team mired in a five-game losing streak, Erickson erupted for a goal and four assists Wednesday night in Noelville, leading the Canadians to a 6-1 win over the French River Rapids.

An even more recent acquisition than Erickson, Valley East native Brody Brunet netted a pair of goals for Rayside, with Erickson, Ned Simpson, Matt Neault and Logan Lefebvre netting the others.

Only Brennan Kelly managed to solve Canadians netminder Mackenzie Savard, making his debut with the local team, and coming through with a 27-save performance.

Also suiting up for coach Jason Young and company were local product Rudy Giusti, as well as well-travelled Haileybury native Kyle Patterson, who started this season with the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners, and has seen action previously with the North Bay Trappers and Espanola Rivermen.

Back to the .500 mark with a record of 5-5-0, the Canadians now enjoy a 10-day hiatus from league play, hosting the Rapids and Soo Eagles on back to back evenings, Oct. 17 and 18.