Elated Waxers mob JoJo Bojanowski who has just scored the overtime winner

photo by Mike Tillaart

(Feb.28.07)    Markham’s JoJo Bojanowski scored at 12:22 in heart-stopping double overtime on Tuesday night to give the Waxers a 2-1 victory before delighted, and relieved, home fans at Centennial Arena.  The win vaults Markham into a 3-0 series lead, with a chance to take it all in Game 4 tonight at St. Michael’s Arena.

The Waxers can also thank goalie Matthew Spezza for the win.  Spezza was outstanding through three periods, then barred the door in overtime, stopping 34 shots in the extra frames alone, and an incredible total of 75 for the game.

The Waxers took a 1-0 lead at 17:42 of the first period when Daniel Torres scored, redirecting a shot from the point by Cody Hamilton.

The Waxers kept the Buzzers off the score sheet with the help, in part, of great penalty killing.  In fact, Markham successfully faced four 5 on 3 situations.  But the key ingredient was the sensational goaltending of Spezza. 

 The one goal lead held until 14:48 of the third period.  The two teams playing four on four, Fred Cassiani of St. Mikes tied the game, with assists from Brendan Smith and Richard Ryan.

In the first overtime period, both teams played very tight defence and allowed few scoring opportunities.  In the second extra period, both teams came close a number of times.  Markham hit the crossbar and Spezza made a miraculous save on St. Michael’s right in front of the net.

The stage was set for Bojanowski’s heroics in the second overtime period.  Mike Scheu did great work in the corner, passed the puck to Corey Tamblyn who spotted JoJo Bojanowski in the slot.  Tamblyn fed him a perfect pass and Bojanowoski fired the puck over the glove hand of the St. Michael’s goalie.

The jubilant Waxers poured onto the ice and mobbed their teammate.

Game Four moves back to St. Michael’s Arena at 7:30 p.m.