The MoJacks scored plenty of goals this past weekend, but the absence of some key players, and a determined North Kawartha team kept them from earning all four points.  The Knights battled back from a pair of two goal deficits, and Jackson Wiltshire potted his second of the night shorthanded with 52 seconds on the clock to snag a 6-5 win.  The MoJacks found the back of the net another 10 times on Sunday afternoon, rebounding with a solid 10-3 victory on home ice versus last place Georgina.

Special teams played a major role on Saturday night.  The Port Perry power play scored two key goals – the Knights had one of their own and the deciding goal while killing a late infraction.  With under a minute to go, and the momentum seemingly in the Jacks favour, Wiltshire picked off a puck just outside the Port Perry blue line, skated in and flicked a quick wrist shot which got by goalie Blake Shaw.  It gave Wiltshire his second of the game, and fifth of the year, and most importantly, his team the two points.

The winner came just minutes after Graham Lamers tied it for the MoJacks on a beautiful unassisted goal.  He showed off some silky mitts to fool the Knights defence and deke goalie Spencer Green, but Green was able to get a piece of the initial shot.  Lamers refused to quit on the play though and snuck the rebound past Green to tie the affair.  The goal was Lamers 14th of the campaign, which he quickly turned into 17 with a hat trick on Sunday.  The MoJacks leading goal scorer in 2015-16 is back to his old tricks as he sits tied with Mitchell Gustavsen for the team lead, (now with 18 after scoring in Tuesday’s overtime loss at Lakefield).  Lamers has eight goals in his last four games.

Coach Tom Boyle has paired him with Cole Murray of late and the duo have simply been on fire.  Over the past five contests, the pair have combined for 21 points, including 10 goals.

“Our line … we’re all buying in right now.  We’re putting in the work,” said Murray.  “Goals will come when you move your feet and do the little things.”

Despite some offensive outbursts over the past couple weeks, the MoJacks are clearly feeling the effects of missing their top two centres in Toby Cooper and Brady Martin, as well as defenceman Liam Schweda.  Schweda’s presence in his own zone and ability to run the power play have left a big hole in the lineup.

“We’ve got a couple guys who are really stepping up,” said Murray.  “But we’re definitely looking forward to his return and getting back on track.”

The MoJacks have just two wins in the five games since the trio has been out of the lineup.  Tyler Hutchinson, who will return from suspension this coming weekend, has also been absent.  Schweda is scheduled to return soon as well, but it is unclear how long Cooper and Martin will be missing.

The MoJacks next action is on Saturday night when they travel to Little Britain to tangle with the Merchants.  They return home Sunday afternoon to host the always dangerous North Kawartha Knights at the customary 2:25 start time.  Sunday’s game is also the annual Wooly Toss Game.  Fans are asked to bring new or gently used items of Winter clothing in a plastic bag to toss on the ice after the Jacks score their first goal.  Operation Scugog volunteers will collect the items for donation to children and youth in our community to keep warm this Winter.

Note: As I was not able to attend Tuesday’s game in Lakefield, I can only report a close 3-2 overtime defeat.  The MoJacks maintain top spot in the PJHL’s Orr Division with a 20-5 record and 40 points, but Lakefield is closing the gap, just five points behind after tonight’s win.