67's Wrap Up Home Schedule With Comeback, Loss

Just over four months after being traded from the Mississauga Steelheads to the Ottawa 67’s, Clint Windsor got the start for Ottawa, watching his former team fight to stay alive, as the Steelheads took a 4-3 decision on Saturday.

Windsor made 37 saves in the loss, although the eventual winning goal was scored into an empty net while he was on the bench.  Michal Cajkovsky scored with 11 seconds left to pull Ottawa to back within one.

“They’re a hard-working group, I thought for sure they wouldn’t have a problem getting in,” said Windsor of his ex-team’s recent struggles.  “Obviously it worked out for them; they outworked us and ended up winning.”

Brendan Bell marked his 19t^h birthday with a fight in the second period and a goal early in the third to kick off the 67’s second final frame comeback in as many days. 

“We were all working hard, it was a tough way to get the loss,” added Bell.  “It was good to put on a show for the fans tonight.”

Mark Petaccio tied the game before the halfway mark, but Trevor Carrick scored with less than three minutes to go, giving Mississauga a lead that they wouldn’t surrender.

“It would've been easy to quit down 5-2 last night and down two today,” said Chris Byrne.  “I think our work ethic has shown the last two nights.  It's a great group of kids, and we said that all year.”

“I think these two have been fun games for our fans to watch and exciting games, so it was a good way to end our season here at home.”

Stu Percy added a shorthanded empty net goal from his own end, which stood up as the winner.

The 67’s finish their 2012-13 home schedule with only six wins at their new stomping grounds.  They finish the season tomorrow afternoon in Kingston.

 

Game sheet can be found here.

 

Assorted Notes:

• While many Oshawa fans wanted former General John Urbanic suspended for his hit from behind last night, he missed today's game with a leg injury.
• Dante Salituro left the game briefly after taking a high-stick while Joseph Blandisi went to the dressing room after being hurt diving for the puck on Mississauga's empty netter.  "It was a great effort on his part, he almost got to it, his face was a bit sore but he's alright," added the coach.
• This game was the opposite of many games this year and could be promising moving into next year.  While the 67's looked uninspired during third periods most of this season, their efforts in the third the last two nights reversed that trend.
• There was no animosity between Windsor and his former squad, as the netminder was congratulated on his effort by a number of Steelheads players and staff after the game. 
• After playing in four OHL cities thus far, Windsor's hoping he can finish his career in the Nation's Capital.  "Hopefully I can find myself in this spot next year," he said.