The Niagara Falls PowerHawks followed up their opening night win with another victory Sunday afternoon against the Cape Cod Islanders. The PowerHawks came from behind to win the game 6-5 in overtime. The visiting Islanders scored three unanswered goals in the second period to control the pace of the game.Niagara Falls jumped out to an early lead with a goal by Owen Green only 3:42 into the opening period. Jack Kinsman recorded the assist. Matthew Schemelia added his own goal to make it 2-0 four minutes later, with Dominic Cappella assisting. The PowerHawks carried that lead into the first intermission.
Nick Ferrucci put the Islanders on the scoreboard with a shot that thread the needle and found the only open spot in the net 7:17 into the second period. The PowerHawks answered back with a tally by Miguel Mercado at the halfway mark of the period. Parker Orchard made an amazing save on the first shot and the first rebound, but could not get a handle on Mercado’s extra effort on the second rebound. Jake Ruchala and Mike Chirico were credited with the assists.
Logan Rachow started the rally for the Islanders 14:01 into the period. Caleb then scored the next two goals for the visitors. His first, coming at 16:43 was assisted by Jimmy Dravige and Logan Rachow. His second goal came at 18:17. Dravige again assisted, with Brendan Heayden adding the second assist.
Tanner Little extended the Cape Cod lead to 5-3 at 4:52 of the third period. Derek D’Arcy assisted on the powerplay goal. The PowerHawks began their own rally just after the halfway point of the third period. Dominic Cappella scored at 10:29, assisted by Kinsman. Brandon Schweickert tied the contest only 18 seconds later. Kinsman once again assisted.
Schweickert struck again at 3:37 in the overtime frame to give the PowerHawks the victory. Owen Green was credited with the assist.
“Our team battled back. They didn’t get intimidated, and we play through it to bring home the win,” said PowerHawks head coach, Kevin Orzechowski.
The PowerHawks will take off on the road for a pair of games next weekend against the Binghamton Junior Senators. The next home game for Niagara Falls will be in October as they head out on an extended road trip.