Drew Minor scored 1:39 into overtime to lift the Welland Whalers to a 6-5 victory over the Brantford Blast Saturday night in Welland.

The win by Welland marked the first time that the Whalers have defeated the first place Blast this season. In fact, it was only the Blasts’ second loss of the season, as the Blast came into Saturday’s game with a 16-1 record.

Welland led 2-1 after the first period but Brantford scored three goals in the middle period to lead 4-3 heading into the third period.

Dan Marwick and Minor both paced the Whalers with two goals each. Andrew Letwin and John Williamson also scored.

Allan Cup Hockey League scoring leader Mike Ruberto had a hat trick for the Blast.

Brantford outshot Welland 49-34.

Rick Miller made 44 saves in the Whalers net.

The Whalers are now off until Saturday, January 26th when they host the Dundas Blues at 7:30 pm.

SCORING SUMMARY

Period 1
Welland - Dan Marwick (Chris Downey, DJ Sardella) 8:26
Brantford - Kyle Spurr (Mike Ruberto, Chad Spurr) 13:50
Welland - Andrew Letwin (Thomas Longland, Kris Lavoie) 14:14

Period 2
Brantford - Mike Ruberto (Jon Jankus, Chad Spurr) 0:26
Brantford - Mike Ruberto (Chad Spurr, Jon Jankus) 3:56
Brantford - Chad Spurr (power play) (Mike Ruberto, Corey Stringer) 17:12
Welland - Dan Marwick (Drew Minor, Mike Cordi) 18:05

Period 3
Welland - John Williamson (Tanner McGowan, Dan Minor) 3:51
Brantford - Mike Ruberto (Jon Jankus, Jeremy Bloomfield) 6:58
Welland - Drew Minor (Erich Paroshy) 9:08

Overtime
Welland - Drew Minor (DJ Sardella, Thomas Longland) 1:39