Stratford Irish edged the Orangeville Blitz in their lone NPHL weekend action

On Nov. 7, the Stratford Irish returned to action from a two-week absence and put on a scoring clinic early in the first period as they ended their losing streak in a 7-5 win over the previously unbeaten Orangeville Blitz.

Stratford opened the scoring by Luca Marandola less than 90 seconds into the game, then Jaden Peca notched one 14 seconds later. A goal from Christian Polillo at 2:44 made it three unanswered goals in under three minutes of the game for the visitors.

Peca scored his second goal of the game midway through the opening frame to cap off a solid start for the Irish and led 4-0 after 20 minutes of play.

But Orangeville responded in the second period with three unanswered goals of their own to cut the deficit to 4-3 before Cole Thiessen responded for Stratford, only for the Blitz to respond with a goal of their own to cut the Irish lead to 5-4 going into the third period.

Just 97 seconds into the final frame, Orangeville tied the game at five, but Stephen Pierog scored the game-winning goal with 9:26 remaining, and Matthew Montgomery added insurance in the closing seconds to preserve the big win over first-place Orangeville.

Thiessen led the Irish with three points, while Zachery Weir picked up the win with a 22-save performance in goal.

Next up for the Irish is a road game in Strathroy against the Jets on Nov. 14.