It was a memorable night for the Menace’s hometown sniper, but one that could have ended more favourably.
In Milton’s biggest test in recent weeks Sunday, Luke Johnston struck for four goals – tying the franchise record set by teammate Ryder Cali in mid-September.
But that wasn’t enough for victory at Memorial Arena, as the second-place Collingwood Blues scored twice in the late stages of play to prevail 6-4.
A powerplay insurance marker with under three minutes remaining essentially sealed the deal.
This snapped the Menace’s five-game win streak and was their first home-ice defeat since Nov. 8.
Carter Bickle was between the pipes for the loss, while captain Graeme MacAuley assisted on Johnston’s last three goals.
Helping set up two of them was Justin Dezoete.
Johnston is now riding a six-game scoring streak and has at least one point in each of his last 13 contests.
The 27-11-0-3 Menace will look to get back in the win column Thursday when they travel to Caledon to take on the Admirals. They’re back at Memorial Arena Friday to face the Western Conference-leading Leamington Flyers.
Game time, as always, 7:30 p.m.