June 25 – The first Jr. B playoff game in Newmarket in three years had the Saints looking to even their series with the Gaels. They’d be in tough as Clarington’s attack only got stronger with the return of one of its top scorers. Meanwhile, Newmarket came in missing some key players.

The Saints made in a change in goal for Game 2, starting Dylan Munro, while the Gaels countered with Brett Underwood.

Early on, the Saints held their own against the regular season East champs. Munro and the team’s defence limited the Gaels chances and even killed off an early four-minute power play. But they couldn’t sustain the momentum and Clarington’s offence broke through with under seven minutes to play in the period. They’d go on to add three more to go into the break leading 4-0.

In the second, the Gaels didn’t let up. They managed two more five minutes in as the Saints continued to battle. Things boiled over a few minutes later as a delayed Gaels penalty set off a scrum, punctuated by a spirited tussle between Luca Romano and Will Carnduff. The Saints tried, but couldn’t manage to capitalize on the ensuing 5-on-3 power play. A few minutes later, another Gaels tally broke the dam and saw Clarington find the net five more times to take an 11-0 stranglehold into the intermission.

The third period was more of the same. The Gaels added another six goals in the frame, while the Saints came close, but just couldn’t find the back of the net. The win gives the Gaels a 2-0 lead in the best of five series.

“Not much you can say about that one,” said Saints Head Coach, Dan Ransom Sr. “But the guys didn't quit and they put the effort in until the final buzzer; the execution and timing just weren't where they needed to be.”

Final score: Gaels 17 – Saints 0.

Up next – the Saints look to extend the series, and their season, in Game 3 Thursday night. First faceoff is set for 8PM at Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex.