A masterful goaltending performance wasn’t enough for the Elliot Lake Vikings on Saturday night.
Matthew Vahramian made 50 saves for the Vikings, but a goal by Kenny Belanger Jr. midway through the second period was the difference as the Soo (Mich.) Eagles beat the Vikings 3-2 in Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League action on Saturday night in Massey.
The goal capped off a three-point night for the Eagles forward that saw him score a pair of goals and assist on another in the victory.
Coby Fox assisted on a pair of goals for the Eagles in the victory while Gabriel Fisher had the other goal.
Eagles goaltender Marino Ramirez stopped 37 shots.
Gavin McLenaghan and Aaron Shanks scored for Elliot Lake.
With the win, the Eagles improve to 20-10-0-1 and sit third in the NOJHL’s West Division.
Elliot Lake falls to 5-18-1-3.
The Vikings are scheduled to return to action on Sunday in Sault Ste. Marie against the Soo Thunderbirds. It’s the first of back-to-back games between the teams, who will meet again Wednesday night in Massey.
The Eagles meanwhile return to action on Dec. 15 at home against Greater Sudbury.
