The 2014 Royal Bank Cup started with a bang as the Dauphin Kings came from behind to slide past the Toronto Lakeshore Patriots 2-1 Saturday afternoon at Kal Tire Place.
The Kings’ netminder Michael Stiliadis must have felt at home at Kal Tire Place, the former Vernon Viper stopped 41 shots. Stiliadis played for the Vipers this year when current Snakes goalie Austin Smith was hurt. Stiliadis was named player of the game.
“I made a lot of saves early on and after that I felt good. I like getting a lot of shots,” said Stiliadis
Toronto grabbed the lead 2:57 into the second when Jacob Hayhurst scored from Brandon Willet and Ryall Ledyard.
The Patriots outshot the Kings 42-29 in the first game of the National Junior A Hockey Championship.
Third period comebacks are nothing new for the Kings, they needed one in Westerns to advance to the RBC Cup.
Tanner Butler tied the game 7:56 into the third from Dylan Butler.
“We talked in the room how we are a good third period group and the boys just came together,” said Stiliadis.
Jesse Bernard, a Killarney Man. product got the winner with a minute and a half remaining from Tanner Lomsnes and Brent Wold.
Toronto had a few frantic chances late to no avail.
