ELMSDALE: The East Hants Senior Penguins delivered a memorable Remembrance Day performance Wednesday afternoon, shutting out their rivals from Truro 4-0 in Nova Scotia Senior Hockey League action at the Keith Miller Arena in the East Hants Sportsplex.
In front of a supportive home crowd, the Penguins turned in a strong defensive effort while getting timely offence to earn the rivalry victory.
Goaltender Bryan Gillis was outstanding between the pipes, turning aside all 30 shots he faced to record the shutout.
Speaking after the game, Gillis said getting the win against Truro always carries extra meaning.
“Anytime that we play against them, they’re our rival. They’re easy games to go for. They always mean a lot,” Gillis said, also crediting the fan support.
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He described the contest as an intense affair, with plenty of hard hitting and emotion on both sides.
The Penguins opened the scoring at 6:20 of the second period when Ben Roode found the back of the net on the power play. Regan Spears and Michael Constantine picked up the assists.
East Hants took control in the third period, adding three more goals.
Jimmy Scullion made it 2-0 at the 5:15 mark, with Josh Macdonald and Zach Sill assisting.
Taylor Burke extended the lead to 3-0 at 6:56, with Spears earning his second assist of the afternoon.
Loch Morrison rounded out the scoring with just 1:34 remaining, converting a play set up by Scullion and Sill.
Gillis said the team is focused on continuing to build its momentum by concentrating on its own game and what it can control.
Comparing this year’s squad to last season, he noted the Penguins have become more physical, aggressive and focused.
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East Hants is back in action on Saturday on the road to Pictou County on Nov. 14 for a 6:30 pm game, before travelling to Antigionish for a Nov. 21 game at 7:30 p.m.
On Nov. 28, East Hants heads to Pictou County for a 6:30 p.m. start.
The Pens return home Dec.5 when Pictou County comes in for a 7 p.m. start
