The Newfoundland Growlers are heading to Toledo with a 2-0 series lead after exciting back-to-back overtime victories in the first two games of the Kelly Cup Finals this weekend at Mile One.
The Growlers won Saturday’s series opener 4-3 in overtime and followed it up with another dramatic overtime win last night. They lead the series against the Toledo Walleye 2-0.
GROWLERS WIN!!!!
SCOTT POOLEY WITH HIS SECOND OF THE NIGHT.
WHAT A FINISH!! @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/wJ6W3JeiAc
— Ben Murphy (@BenMurphyVOCM) May 27, 2019
The Growlers leave the ice to a standing ovation and Pooley receives more warm cheers for the crowd after he’s named first star.
Growlers heading to Toledo with a 2-0 series lead in the Kelly Cup Finals. Game 3 goes Wednesday, game 4 on Friday. @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/UQR8qB5NPF
— Ben Murphy (@BenMurphyVOCM) May 27, 2019
Kestner Sustains Injury
Meanwhile, despite the outcome, the win did come with some bad news for the Growlers.
There were some tense moments mid-way through the second period when Growlers forward, Josh Kestner was left motionless on the ice following a hit to the head from Toledo’s Kevin Tansey.
Tansey received a five-minute major and a game misconduct on the play. There is no word on any further suspension yet.
Kestner did not return to the game, but was alert and responsive.
BREAKING: Just received confirmation from the Growlers that Josh Kestner is alert, and as you probably guess will not return.
Let’s hope it’s a quick recovery.@VOCMNEWS
— Ben Murphy (@BenMurphyVOCM) May 26, 2019
Growlers Head Coach, John Snowden couldn’t provide an update on his status following Sunday’s game.
He says it was a scary moment, and you never want to see an incident like that in a hockey game, no matter what side you’re on.
Pooley Reacts to Scoring Winning Goal
“It doesn’t matter how you win, as long as you win”.
That, from Scott Pooley of the Newfoundland Growlers, who scored both goals including the overtime winner in Sunday evenings 2-1 victory over the Toledo Walleye.
Pooley says they didn’t get the start they were looking for but found a way to get it done. He says what matters is at the end of the day they got two big wins before heading on the road.
In terms of it being the biggest goal of his young career, Pooley says the OT winner is up there. He says he had a big back one in junior, but this one has to be near the top.