Tigers take 3-1 lead in Campbellton

The Campbellton Tigers have pushed the defending Maritime Junior Hockey League (MHL) champions to the brink of elimination in the opening round of the playoffs.

The Tigers defeated the Summerside D. Alex Macdonald Ford Western Capitals 7-3 on March 24 to take a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven Eastlink North Division semifinal series.

The Caps now must win three straight games to win the series, starting with Game 5 at the Island Petroleum Energy Centre in Summerside on March 27 at 7 p.m.

Campbellton, coming off a 4-1 win in Game 3 on March 23, did not waste any time taking control of Game 4, played before 1,341 fans at the Campbellton Memorial Civic Centre.

The Tigers opened the scoring 5:51 into the first period and went on to build period leads of 4-1 and 7-2.

Former Charlottetown Islander Dawson Stairs scored twice and added an assist while Jake Kyle, who has earned a series-leading eight points, collected three helpers to lead the Tigers offensively.

Connor Richard (2), Eli Reimer (2) and Jadon Reimer also scored for the Tigers. Ethan Dollemont (2), Peter Stanger (2), Austin Arsenault of Richmond, Daniel Khatib, Justin David and Kyle Macintyre earned assists.

Jack Campbell, Marc Richard and Riley Macdougall replied for the Caps. Sid Mcneill (2), Connor Keough, Trent Crane, David Sibilevich and Ed Mcneill were credited with helpers.