Cobourg Clinches Final Playoff Berth With Gritty Comeback Victory Over Owen Sound

By Gary Groob 

The Cobourg Kodiaks (10-8) traveled west to face the Owen Sound NorthStars (1-17) in Major Series Lacrosse action Saturday evening at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Arena in Owen Sound, Ontario.  If the Kodiaks win, they are in the playoffs. 

The goaltending match-up had Laine Hruska in net for Cobourg facing Dante Mancini in net for Owen Sound.

Facing a win-or-go-home scenario and dressing just five offensive players, the Cobourg Kodiaks overcame adversity with a resilient 7-5 comeback victory over the Owen Sound NorthStars to secure the final Major Series Lacrosse playoff berth. Trailing 4-3 early in the third period, Cobourg responded with four unanswered goals, sparked by Brock Haley's game-tying marker and Jeremy Phoenix's dramatic go-ahead goal just six seconds after the ensuing faceoff.

Aaron Woods led the offensive charge with a hat trick, including a momentum-shifting shorthanded goal, while Haley added two goals and Briley Maxwell collected three assists. Laine Hruska turned aside 38 shots as the Kodiaks completed their comeback and officially clinched a postseason berth, ending Brooklin's playoff hopes in the process.

To The Game:

Cobourg got on the board first when Alex Marinier fired an underhand shot from the top of the crease off a Brock Haley pass at 2:20, but Josh Rosa tied the game jumping from behind the net off a Bobby O'Grady rebound at 6:30.

Owen Sound took their first lead of the night with Brendan McLeod firing a sidearm shot through the five-hole off a Josh Rosa pass at 10:18.

After one period, Owen Sound 2 Cobourg 1.
Shots on goal favored the Kodiaks 12-10.

Second Period:

Callum Brennan extended the NorthStars lead diving across the crease off a Bobby O'Grady pass at 2:43, but a shorthanded marker from Aaron Woods jumping across the crease off a Zach Thompson pass at 6:32 got the Kodiaks back in the game. 

Cobourg then tied the game with Aaron Woods blasting a low laser to the corner off a Briley Maxwell pass at 15:13.

After two periods, Cobourg 3 Owen Sound 3.
Shots on goal favored Owen Sound 15-11.

Third Period:

After almost seven minutes of scoreless action, Xander Derkatz gave Owen Sound the lead with a few inside fakes off a Jake Rosa feed at 6:58.

The Kodiaks stormed back immediately. 

Brock Haley tied the game blasting a Zach Thompson pass from the outside at 7:32, followed by Jeremy Phoenix winning the draw and taking it to the net 6 seconds later.

Aaron Woods opened up a two goal cushion with a great individual effort crashing towards the net off a Briley Maxwell pass at 10:16, followed by Brock Haley tip toeing across the crease also off a Maxwell feed at 13:26.

Callum Brennan brought Owen Sound closer with a power-play marker off a Xander Derkatz pass at 18:55, but it was as close as they would get. 

Final score, Cobourg 7 Owen Sound 5.
Shots on goal favored the NorthStars 18-17, for a game total of 43-40 in favor of Owen Sound. 

The Three Stars:

1. Aaron Woods 
2. Brock Haley 
3. Callum Brennan 

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