The Trois-Rivières Lions, already out of the playoff race, provided good competition for the powerful Newfoundland Growlers but ran out of gas in the third half on Friday at Mary Brown’s Centre.
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Marc-André Bergeron’s side conceded two goals in the third period before losing 5-3.
Ryan Francis, a 2020 fifth-round pick by the Calgary Flames, carried the Trois Rivières attack on his shoulders. The 21-year-old forward started his night with two goals in 54 seconds in the first period and then completed his hat-trick down the middle.
This season, the former Cape Breton Eagles and Saint John Sea Dogs have 23 goals and 47 points in 55 games with the Lions. He also played four games with the Laval Rocket.
However, his offensive skills didn’t allow the visitors to dethrone the Growlers, who hold 37 points more overall in the North section.
Nolan Walker and Pavel Gogolev propelled the Toronto Maple Leafs’ ECHL farm to victory by scoring in the third period.
Ryan Chyzowski, Jonny Tychonick and Keenan Suthers completed the standings.
The Lions meet the Growlers again on Saturday and Sunday.