Tzaferis the 2OT hero as Dukes finish regular season with dramatic win

Story by Brock Ormond

Photo: Wellington Dukes/OJHL Images

The Wellington Dukes finished the season in the win column, needing double overtime to defeat the Leamington Flyers 3-2 on Thursday night.

Dimitri Tzaferis’ 13th of the season was the difference in helping the Dukes wrestle full hold of second place back from the St. Michael’s Buzzers.

The two teams’ first ever meeting was back and forth much of the night, but Wellington got the early upper hand on Ryan Schaap’s 24th goal of the season from Ethan Quick and Josh Rumolo 3:37 into the game.

Cory Jewitt hammered home his team-leading 30th of the season on a later powerplay, being set up by Connor Hunt and Pana Efraimidis to extend the lead.

Leamington scratched back with the lone goal of the second from Alex Cunningham on a man advantage.

After the Dukes missed three close chances, the Flyers’ Chris O’Flaherty forced a turnover in the Wellington zone and beat Lisson eight-and-a-half minutes into the third to even the score.

From there, the third period swung back and forth, but neither team was able to capitalize.

After a goalless first overtime, the Dukes broke pressure in the defensive zone, with Nick DiPaolo springing Tzaferis on a breakaway.

The Montreal, Quebec native missed the net with his initial shot, but followed it up and chipped the rebound top shelf on Sebastian Gatto and seal the Dukes 35th and final victory this regular season.

Jack Lisson was stellar again with 41 saves for his 17th personal win of the season.

The Dukes now have 73 points, but will be awaiting where they will place officially in the East Conference and who they will play in the first round of the Buckland Cup playoffs.

Keep track of the Dukes website and social media feeds, as well as the OJHL’s social media channels for further updates on the postseason, which is expected to start next week.