MAPLE GROVE, Minn. — The Nashville Jr. Predators scored twice in the third period to win 4-2 and oust the Auburn-based Maine Gladiators in the quarterfinals of USA Hockey’s Tier II 18U 2A national tournament Sunday.
Nashville’s Connor Smith broke a 2-2 tie with 11:37 left in the game, and Anthony Paponetti added another goal about two minutes later to give the Jr. Predators a 4-2 lead.
The Gladiators opened the scoring with two quick goals early in the second period. Zachary Stern-Hayes made it 1-0 off assists by Brian Connolly and Campbell Cassidy, and Cooper St. Hilare scored 10 seconds later off an assist by Nick Pelletier.
Four minutes later, Nashville cut the deficit to 2-1 on a goal by Stephen Lipa, and Camden Smith even the score with a goal with 16 seconds remaining in the second.
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