Joel Vanderlaan
@jovanderlaan
The Kingston Frontenacs became the first team in the Eastern Conference to advance to the second round on Thursday night, completing a four-game sweep of the Sudbury Wolves with a 3-2 win.
For the first time in the series, the Wolves opened the scoring, as Seattle Kraken prospect Nathan Villeneuve netted his third of the postseason off a setup from Quentin Musty, giving Sudbury a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes.
The Frontenacs responded quickly in the second period, with Ben Pickell beating Nate Krawchuk on the glove side just 1:30 into the frame. The high-energy forward now has goals in back-to-back games.
Veteran defenceman and Napanee native Cal Uens gave Kingston its first lead of the night, burying a rebound in front. But Villeneuve tallied again on the power play from the high slot, tying the game before the end of the stanza.
After killing off a double minor for high-sticking to Ethan Hay early in the third period, the Frontenacs regained the lead when Jacob Battaglia scored his first of the postseason at the 11:52 mark in what would stand as the game-winner.
Charlie Schenkel was excellent in net once again, making 37 saves in the victory. The overager goaltender was named the first star for his efforts.
Cedrick Guindon led the way offensively for Kingston in the series with five goals and seven points. The alternate captain found the scoresheet every game.
Kingston now waits to find out who their next opponent will be.
The Frontenacs last reached the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals in the 2022 OHL Playoffs.
