Somerset, NJ – It seems that the Protec Jr. Ducks enjoy finding the back of the net in the third period.

The Junior “A” squad earned another comeback victory on Thursday afternoon at Protec Ponds, after the Jr. Ducks netted three goals in the third period and defeated New York Apple Core 5-4.

While New York gained a 2-0 lead, the Jr. Ducks’ high-powered offense found its rhythm late in the second period. Forward Connor Tartaglione netted his first goal of the season when he crashed the net hard and buried a nifty pass from blueliner Hayden Watson.

Less than 30 seconds later, Brayden Patricia recorded his 12 tally on the year and tied the game at 2-2. Keep in mind that Jr. Ducks goaltender Dylan Knighton displayed big and timely saves prior to Protec tying the score. Additionally, the outing marked the first time since Oct. 7 that Knighton started a contest for Protec. The 20-year-old also recorded 45 saves and was a key factor in the win.

The Jr. Ducks wasted no time gaining momentum in the third period, either. Tartaglione went bar-down from the slot after the Ducks established a strong forecheck and forced a turnover just 33 seconds into the frame. There was also another “first” for a newly acquired Jr. Ducks skater.

Defenseman Matt Harvey was all over the ice and effective throughout the contest, but the 18-year-old did celebrate and throw his arms up in the air. Harvey not only recorded a power-play goal off a slick wrister from the point – No. 22 netted his first goal as a member of the flock.

Later in the frame, it was Patricia who tallied his second goal for the contest when he and Nick Snyder connected on a two-on-one. The goal marked the fourth occasion that the Jr. Ducks captain recorded a multi-goal effort. Patricia enters the weekend ranked third in the EHL with 30 points (13g-17a).

While Apple Core displayed a commendable comeback and scored two late goals in the third period, Knighton and the Jr. Ducks held onto the victory and improved to 6-4-4 on the year in addition to defeating New York for the third time this season.

Protec resumes play on Sunday for a 7:00 p.m. puck drop at the Pond vs. a top-tier squad in the New Jersey 87’s.

Brace yourselves for arguably the biggest game, to date. 

- Protec the Nest -

###

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