By Jeff Gard/Northumberland 89.7
The Port Hope Panthers have taken a commanding 3-1 series lead against the Picton Pirates and are one win away from capturing the Provincial Junior Hockey League's Tod Division title following a 3-0 win Wednesday night.
Christopher Brydges, Kieran Flynn and Braiden Scriver provided the offence for the Panthers while goaltender Sam Dingle made 27 saves to earn the shutout in front of more than 600 spectators at the Jack Burger Sports Complex in Port Hope.
Port Hope won the first two games of the best-of-seven series, but had to rebound from a 7-2 Game 3 loss in Picton on Sunday.
"It's good to bounce back. Obviously we haven't really won anything yet, but it's good to get back on the right track and hopefully we can carry on into tomorrow."
The Panthers will have their first of three opportunities to win the division title Thursday night at the Prince Edward Community Centre in Picton. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
"It's tough going down there, they have a good fan base," Brydges said. "Being in the opposing team's barn is always tough, but if we stick to the game plan we should be alright."
The winner of the Tod Division final will advance to the PJHL's East Conference against the Clarington Eagles, which won the Orr Division with a four-game sweep over the Uxbridge Bruins.
