Blind River Beavers Elliot Lake Red Wings Espanola Paper Kings French River Rapids Greater Sudbury Cubs Hearst Lumberjacks Iroquois Falls Storm Kirkland Lake Gold Miners Powassan Voodoos Soo Eagles Soo Thunderbirds Timmins Rock | Hockey Canada Canadian Junior Hockey League Northern Ontario Hockey Association

GALLERY: Cubs victorious over Rapids in preseason debut

Photos: Sudbury Light Event Photography

SUDBURY, Ont. – A Carter Geoffroy goal late in regulation was the game-winner as the Greater Sudbury Cubs etched out a narrow 2-1 victory over the French River Rapids Sunday evening in Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League exhibition encounter at Gerry McCrory Countryside Sports Complex.

Appearing in their initial exhibition contest, the newly-named Cubs fell behind deep into the first period as French River’s Levi Siau finished off a Leo Chambers feed.

The score stayed 1-0 Rapids into the final frame when Pierson Sobush collected the equalizer for Greater Sudbury at 5:07 that saw Cameron Shanks and Kyler Campbell earn assists.

With overtime looming, Geoffroy broke the deadlock with 2:22 remaining as the defenceman came in to the left faceoff circle and roofed a shot, high blocker side, over the shoulder Rapids goalkeeper Cole Sheffield for the difference maker.

Drawing helpers on the decider were Quinn Collins and Mathieu Morin.

Getting the win was Joel Rainville while Sheffield suffered the close setback.

The two sides will meet again Tuesday night in a 7 p.m. start at Noelville Arena.