For 58 minutes Wednesday evening the St. Thomas Stars held their own against league-leading London at the Western Fair District.
The difference was a pair of goals in the final two minutes – one an empty-netter – that allowed the Nationals to prevail 4-2 and maintain their two-point cushion over second-place Komoka in the GOJHL Western Conference standings.
The Kings edged LaSalle 3-2 in OT to remain in the shadow of the Nats.
Twice in the opening 40 minutes London took the lead only to have the Stars quickly pull even.
Michael Elliston gave London an early lead less than five minutes in, however Mathieu Paris (pictured above) tied it up less than 10 minutes later.
Paris pulled St. Thomas even again at 2-2 in the middle frame less than two minutes after Jeff Burridge had restored the Nationals’ lead.
It all was in vain as Zach Power fired home his 14th goal of the season with less than 90 seconds remaining and Elliston added some insurance with an empty-netter to send the Stars home with nothing to show for their efforts.
Jackson Dobbin assisted on both St. Thomas goals.
Owen Willmore deserved a better fate for his efforts, stopping 29 of 32 shots.
The Stars remain in seventh spot in the standings, four points ahead of Strathroy.
The teams square off against each other Friday night at the Joe Thornton Community Centre in a 7:30 p.m. start
