Roller coaster

Dukes showing flashes of brilliance in the early going

It’s been exciting. This new crop of Dukes’ players and coaches has produced thrilling hockey over the first few weeks. Four of five games have been settled by a single goal—two in the second overtime.

And now comes word of the return of Ethan Quick. For a fan base still getting to know this team, a familiar returning player—especially one as big and talented as Quick—is big and welcome news.

DUKES 6 – TORONTO 5
The Dukes spotted the Toronto Patriots a 5- 1 lead midway through the second period at home on Friday night. But Nick DiPaolo sniped a goal just to prove the Patriots’ rangy netminder was vulnerable. That was all that was needed. The Dukes took the game into their own hands late in the third.

Liam Lucas scored with just over four minutes remaining. His goal narrowed the Patriots’ lead to two goals. The Dukes then pulled the netminder Nolan Lane. With the extra attacker, Cory Jewitt scored just seconds later. Less than a minute later, with Lane back in the net, DiPaolo tied the game. Just seconds into the second overtime, DiPaolo scooped up the puck in the Dukes’ zone, swooped down the right wing, curled around the Patriots defence and lifted a slick backhand. Top corner. The boys celebrated as though it were March. No one more heartily than Lane.

DUKES 2 – LINDSAY 1
The Dukes tamed the Lindsay Muskies 2-1 at home on Sunday. Austin Montgomery-Parsons and Connor Loerzel had the Dukes’ goals. Dimitri-Alexander Tzaferis earned his fifth assist in three games in the Dukes jersey. Jack Lisson went the distance for Wellington.

COBOURG 6 – DUKES 5
of fortunes on Monday in Cobourg. After a backand- forth first period, the game was tied 2-2. In the second, the Dukes took advantage of Cobourg penalties scoring two power play goals. But a shorthanded goal by the Cougars early in the third knocked the wind out of the Dukes. While Connor Hunt scored on the power play, the Cougars found the net three times in the frame—the game-tying goal came in the final minute of regulation time.

The Cougars took the momentum into the overtime periods—scoring a minute into the second OT.

UP NEXT: BUFFALO, CALEDON, TORONTO JC
The Dukes are bound for Buffalo tonight to face the Junior Sabres, who have resurfaced after several years of absence due to Covid. In four games, Buffalo has a win, a loss and an overtime loss and currently resides in the middle of the pack in the West Conference.

The Caledon Admirals have won a game, lost one and lost two more in overtime.

The Junior Canadiens currently lead the East Conference. The Dukes dropped a close 4-3 game to Toronto on September 8. They will be looking to fix that on Tuesday in Toronto. From there, the Dukes will travel back to Buffalo to participate in the Governors Showcase—an annual opportunity for scouts and recruiters to assess the current crop of players in the OJHL.