Miners extend losing streak to seven despite strong effort.

CANADIAN PRESS (Sudbury, ON)

Sometimes, strong efforts go unrewarded.  For the Sudbury Miners, that was the case on Wednesday night.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins broke a 2-2 tie mid-way through the third period as the Victoria Ronin defeated the Sudbury Miners 3-2 at the Vale Centre on Wednesday night.   With the loss, the Miners losing streak has now reached seven games. 

The Miners played their best game of this current losing streak and at times would dominate this game.  However, puck luck was just on their side as they could not find the back of the net.   They would outshoot the Ronin 27-17, including a 13-1 shot advantage in the third period.  The goal by Nugent-Hopkins would be the only shot of the third period for the Ronin, but they made it count.

Jamie Benn would also pace the Ronin attack with a goal and assist.  Steve Mason made 25 saves to get the win for the Ronin.  Ben Bishop, who made 14 saves, took the loss for the Miners.

On a positive note, Miners rookie Brayden Point scored in his NHL debut, a power play goal, to become the first rookie in Miners franchise history to score in his debut.  

"First game in the CCHL and you get a goal," Point said. "That wasn't my plan really when I showed up at the rink. I was going to play good and play a structured game and detailed game, but I’m happy with the goal but I really would have preferred the win."

Vincent Trocheck, with his second of the year, would round out the scoring for the Miners on the night.

The Miners have little time to think about this loss, as they are back at in on Thursday night, on the road versus the Sanibel Islanders.  

MINERS NUGGETS

- Center Vernon Fiddler is not a fan of playing Victoria.  He suffered his second injury in as many games versus the Ronin.  This time, he fell awkwardly in the corner after battling with Ronin defenseman Jacob Trouba.  Fiddler appeared to suffer an ankle injury on the play and is expected to miss the next two games.

- The Miners have recalled rookie Anthony Beauvillier from their AHL club in North Bay to take Fiddler’s spot on the roster.  He will be in the lineup on Thursday night making his CCHL debut.

- Coach Derek Sutton stated that Jake Allen will get the away start on Thursday versus the Islanders.