WALL TOWNSHIP, N.J. — The Lockport Express dropped a heartbreaking first game of their three-game series against the Jersey Shore Wildcats when the Wildcats took the lead for the final time in the last minute of play.
Dylan Plsek’s goal in the final minute — listed as 19:59 by the NA3EHL website — was assisted by Jared Karas and John Rubin.
Jersey Shore held the lead two times prior in the game, taking a 1-0 advantage of 2:59 of the first period on a Bogdan Khvatov power play goal assisted by Karas and Marcus McCall. Lockport’s Justin Andriaccio tied the game with a power play goal at 16:52. Jordan Pocobello and Frank Vecchio Jr. assisted.
In the second period, the Wildcats re-took the lead at 2:44 with a Travis Valvo goal assisted by Christian Cooley and Freddie Schaljo. Once again, Justin Andriaccio tied it — at 13:57. Christopher Gasiewicz and Ryan Logar assisted.
The last-minute Plsek goal, however, did the Express in.
Lockport and Jersey Shore play Game Two at Jersey Shore Arena at 7:30 p.m. An Express loss would end their season in the first round of the playoffs for the second straight year. A win would force a Game Three — to be played at 11:15 a.m. Sunday.
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