Peterborough, Ont. A Tucker Robertson goal at 11:10 of the third period tied the game at 1-1 and propelled the Peterborough Petes to a 2-1 victory over the London Knights on Sunday.
Robertson, who also assisted on Avery Hayes’ first goal, gave the Bets a 4-2 win in the OHL’s best-of-seven championship series and a berth in the 2023 Memorial Cup that begins Friday in Kamloops, British Columbia.
Hayes scored at 14:33 of the second period to give the Petes a 1-0 lead. Max McCue of the Knights tied the game at 7:59 of the third period, setting the stage for Robertson’s championship.
The Knights insisted on an equalizer and had several chances in the final two minutes which were thwarted by Betis goalkeeper Michael Simpson, who was later named man of the match.
Robertson, who was constantly featured in the clutch throughout the series, was filled with pride after the final bell.
“This city has been absolutely amazing throughout the playoffs and the three seasons I’ve been here,” Robertson said. “It was amazing and I am very proud to be able to help win the championship.”
The Bates outscored the Knights 37-36. The Knights went 0-for-4 on the power play, while the Bates were 0-for-3.
The match drew a record crowd of 4,101 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. It was the Bates’ first OHL title since 2006 and tenth overall.
The Bates’ first Memorial Cup game as OHL champions takes place on Saturday against the Western Hockey League champion Seattle Thunderbirds.
This report from The Canadian Press was first published on May 21, 2023.
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