By Journal Sports Staff

SAULT STE. MARIE — Sophomore Elliot Samppala scored the game-winner off an assist from his brother, senior Spencer Samppala, as the Marquette Senior High School hockey team defeated Canton 4-2 on Saturday at the Sault Ste. Marie Lions Showcase.

The Redmen improved to 11-5-1 after losing to another Detroit-area team, Birmingham Brother Rice, 5-2 on Friday night at the event.

The Samppala goal came with 5:05 left in the second period, just over four minutes after sophomore teammate Sean O’Connor tied the score with a goal assisted by junior Joey Phillips.

“This was a good rebound win after the tough game we had (Friday) night,” MSHS coach Doug Garrow said. “It was good to see the guys not letting down, though we did play much better in the second and third periods.”

Canton led 2-1 after the first period. Hugon Fonovic got both goals for the Chiefs about 2 1/2 minutes apart near the midpoint of the period.

In between, in fact just 18 seconds after the Fonovic’s first goal, Marquette junior Hunter Doucette evened the score on a goal assisted by the Phillips’ cousins, Joey and sophomore Tanner.

Redmen freshman added an insurance goal less than 2 1/2 minutes into the third period with assists going to junior Colin Gaffney and sophomore Kobie Guidebeck.

MSHS sophomore goalie Tyler Bergwall was called on to make just 16 saves, while the Redmen managed 30 shots against Canton netminder Bailey Dugan. Period-by-period totals were unavailable as every goal was scored at even-strength.

The Redmen have another multi-game road trip this week when they play in the Michigan Public High School Hockey Showcase.

Information compiled by Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee. His email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.