In a dramatic finish to the regular season, the Wasaga River Dragons edged out the West Nipissing Lynx 7-6 in overtime on Friday night at Sturgeon Falls Arena. The game saw both teams trade blows in a high-scoring affair, with Wasaga’s Dalton Mayes netting the game-winner late in the extra frame.

While Wasaga had already secured a first-round bye, the single point West Nipissing earned from taking the game to overtime proved to be the difference-maker in securing home ice for their opening-round playoff series against the Knights of Meaford. The Lynx entered the contest riding the momentum of a dominant 6-2 victory over the regular-season champion Bradford Rattlers, and despite falling short in this one, they ensured they’ll open the playoffs on home ice.

With the win, Wasaga finishes the regular season on a high note and will await the highest remaining seed in the second round of the North Division playoffs.

GAME SUMMARY

First Period

The Lynx struck first late in the opening frame, as Riley Findlater capitalized on a setup from Zachary Major and Xavier Borgia at 18:36. However, their lead lasted just 20 seconds before Wasaga answered back—Michal Novak buried a feed from Dalton Mayes and Aaro Tuovinen at 18:56, tying the game at 1-1 heading into intermission.

Second Period

Wasaga took its first lead of the night at 6:16 on a power play goal from Olle Bjalkefors, assisted by Mayes and Emil Mouantri.

West Nipissing responded with two quick goals midway through the period, as Gage Nafziger evened the score at 11:19 before Zachary Major gave the Lynx the lead at 12:56, both assisted by Xavier Borgia.

The River Dragons then rattled off three unanswered goals to close out the frame. Bjalkefors notched his second of the night at 15:06, followed by Novak’s second goal at 15:43. Wasaga extended the lead further at 19:03 when Jake Haskins finished off a play set up by Bjalkefors and Mayes, giving them a 5-3 advantage heading into the third.

Third Period

West Nipissing fought back early in the final frame, striking twice on the power play. Xavier Borgia netted both goals—first at 7:52 and then again just 42 seconds later at 8:34—to bring the game level at 5-5.

Wasaga reclaimed the lead at 13:05, as Memphis Palmer-Gummer finished off a passing play from Blake Stansfield and Lorenzo Frigerio.

However, the Lynx refused to go quietly. With less than a minute to go, Mathias Drolet found the back of the net at 19:03 off assists from Findlater and Major, forcing overtime.

Overtime

The extra frame remained scoreless until the dying minutes, when Dalton Mayes played hero for Wasaga. The River Dragons’ blue liner capped off a five-point night by firing home the game-winning goal at 18:12, assisted by Novak and Mouantri, securing the 7-6 victory.

GOALTENDING BATTLE

Sebastian Thome (Wasaga) – Faced 45 shots, stopping 39. While he gave up six goals, he made key saves in overtime to keep the River Dragons in position to win.

Vladislav Morozyuk (West Nipissing) – Made 38 saves on 45 shots. Despite the loss, he kept the Lynx alive with timely stops, helping them secure a crucial point in the standings.

KEY PERFORMANCES

⭐ Dalton Mayes (Wasaga) – 1 goal, 4 assists

Delivered a clutch five-point performance, including the overtime winner, to power the River Dragons to victory.

⭐ Michal Novak (Wasaga) – 2 goals, 2 assists

Showed his scoring touch with a pair of goals and added two helpers in a standout offensive showing.

⭐ Zachary Major (West Nipissing) – 1 goal, 4 assists

Had a massive night for the Lynx, factoring into five of their six goals.

Xavier Borgia (West Nipissing) – 2 goals, 2 assists

Played a key role in the Lynx’s comeback effort with two power play goals and two assists.

Olle Bjalkefors (Wasaga) – 2 goals, 1 assist

Provided secondary scoring with a pair of goals, including a power play marker.

Riley Findlater (West Nipissing) – 1 goal, 3 assists

Opened the scoring for the Lynx and set up three other goals.

IMPLICATIONS

For Wasaga, this game was a final tune-up before heading into the playoffs with a first-round bye. The River Dragons will await the highest remaining seed in the second round of the North Division postseason.

For West Nipissing, the overtime point was crucial. It ultimately secured them home-ice advantage in their first-round matchup against the Knights of Meaford. Without it, the Lynx would have been forced to start the playoffs on the road.

WHAT’S NEXT

With the regular season officially in the books, the Wasaga River Dragons will get some time to rest before facing their second-round opponent. Meanwhile, the West Nipissing Lynx will shift their focus to a first-round battle against the Knights of Meaford, where they’ll look to use their home-ice advantage to their benefit.

The stage is now set for the GMHL playoffs, and both teams will be looking to make a deep run.