Somerset, NJ – After a couple of whiz wit cheesesteak orders in the City of Brotherly Love’s outskirts, the Protect Jr. Ducks and the Philadelphia Little Flyers split their weekend series.

The Jr. Ducks completed a memorable comeback on Friday afternoon when Protec defeated the Little Flyers 5-4 in overtime at Ice Works.

Let’s revisit one of this season’s most memorable games from the Eastern Hockey League (EHL).

The first-ever matchup between Protec and the Little Flyers was a roller coaster of emotions for both squads – there’s no denying that. It just so happened the contest also took place on Friday the 13.

Yet, the first two periods weren’t an ideal start for the Jr. Ducks.

Philadelphia welcomed head coach Terry Watt and company with a 4-1 lead entering the contest’s third period. The Little Flyers took advantage of their prime scoring opportunities and it seemed that Flyers’ goaltender Jakub Kubik would not allow more than one goal on the day – he was sharp.

Yet, after numerous momentum swings in the final frame, the Jr. Ducks rekindled their offensive magic. Protec forward Nick Newman recorded his second goal for the contest with less than 10:00 remaining in the frame, which provided newfound life for the flock.

The Jr. Ducks then controlled a majority of the play and were later rewarded.

Team captain Brayden Patricia earned his first tally on the afternoon when he netted a power-play goal on a slick wrap around. Patricia’s third PPG of the year lifted Protec within one goal with less than four minutes remaining. Those in attendance could smell the comeback brewing and the positive vibes from the Jr. Ducks’ aurora on the ice.

Watt eventually pulled netminder Tristan Fattedad for an extra attacker which paid dividends for the expansion squad. The game-tying goal was scored by none other than Patricia with 30 seconds left in regulation. The rivals then entered overtime tied 4-4 which also marked the sixth occasion that the Jr. Ducks skated in an extra frame for the 2020-21 campaign.

While Protec received a power play to kick off the fourth period, the game-winning goal was recorded after the man advantage expired.

After the Jr. Ducks established a strong forecheck and prevented Philadelphia from breaking out of its own end, Patricia tallied the game-winner after a pass attempt on a mini two-on-one that found the back of the net. The puck redirected off a Little Flyers’ defenseman and slid past the goal line which sent Patricia’s teammates jumping over the bench onto the ice in celebration.

“The game was absolutely insane,” said Patricia. “We talked about it afterward and how it was the most emotional roller coaster game we’ve ever had. We worked hard to come back and I am really proud of all the guys and how we finished it off.”

The win also marked the second time this season Patricia recorded a three-point effort and overtime-winning goal in the same contest (New York Apple Core, Sept. 21).

Unfortunately, the outcome wasn’t the same on Sunday at Ice Works for Protec.

The Jr. Ducks dropped the matinee contest by a final score of 5-3 but there were positive takeaways.

Forward Nick Snyder recorded his second multi-point effort since joining the Jr. Ducks in early November. Scoring-depth is of the essence in the EHL, and Snyder has meshed in smoothly while producing on the scoresheet since donning a Protec sweater.

Let’s not forget about another newly acquired player in Olivier Charest. The La Prairie, QC native collected two helpers in the contest, which also marked his first points with the Jr. Ducks.

While Parker King also found the back of the net, the offensive effort wasn’t enough to sweep Philadelphia. The Little Flyers erased multiple Protec leads and netted two third-period goals, which sealed the deal and snapped their four-game losing streak.

The Jr. Ducks are scheduled to face-off with New York Apple Core on Thursday for a 12:15 p.m. puck drop at Protec Ponds.

- Protec the Nest -

###

(The Protec Jr. Ducks can be followed on Twitter @ProtecJrDucks)