The Lockport Express salute the fans following an 8-7 overtime loss to the Jersey Shore Wildcats. (SCOTT LEFFLER / ENP STAFF)

By +Scott Leffler 
scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com

---

The Lockport Express came out on the short side of a 8-7 overtime game against the Jersey Shore Wildcats, but picked up a crucial point in their bid to secure a spot in the NA3EHL playoffs.

The back-and-forth offensive battle saw four lead changes in regulation before Frederic Ampleman netted the game winner in overtime just 48 seconds into the extra session.

Lockport took an early 2-0 lead with goals by Andrew Logar at 1:26 of the first period and Ryan Logar at 4:32. Jersey Shore bounced back with four of their own by Bogdan Khvatov (6:11), Scott Hansen (9:20), Tyler Goclan (10:54), and Travis Valvo (11:37). Lockport tied it back up before the first period finished with goals by Mark Friol (15:31) and Ryan Logar (18:27).

The Express regained the lead 8:11 in the second period with a Dylan Jenkins power play goal. Jersey Shore scored the next two by Christian Cooley (8:50) and Valvo (11:56), giving the Wildcats a 6-5 lead at the end of the second period.

Jenkins re-tied the came at 7:48 of the third period before Peter Guido put the Express in the lead 7-6 at 10:33. Cooley netted another for the Wildcats at 15:06, leading to a 7-7 tie at the end of regulation.

Ampleman's goal just 48 seconds into the overtime secured two points for Jersey Shore. But Lockport earned one for making it into the overtime session, giving them 43 on the season, four points ahead of fifth-place Syracuse, who lost 4-2 to Roc City tonight.

Lockport's magic number to make the NA3EHL playoffs is three -- meaning any combination of three points for Lockport or three points lost by Syracuse would ensure and Express playoff berth.

Lockport hosts Jersey Shore again Sunday at 1 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on East Niagara Radio.

---

East Niagara Post is the official media partner of the Lockport Express