Payne, Lorentz score two goals each, lead Whalers to 7-1 win over Otters

PLYMOUTH, Mich. - Cody Payne and Zach Lorentz scored two goals each as the Plymouth Whalers defeated the Erie Otters 7-1 in Ontario Hockey League action Monday.

Ryan Hartman, Connor Carrick and Gianluca Curcuruto also scored for the Whalers (23-14-8).

Lorentz, acquired from Windsor two weeks ago just prior to the OHL trade deadline, opened the scoring 4:59 into the first period and scored his second as time expired in the second period.

Vince Trocheck added three assists, while Matt Mistele and Garrett Meurs recorded two helpers apiece.

Matt Mahalak made 24 saves for Plymouth allowing just a Luke Cairns goal at 13:08 of the first period.

Devin Williams stopped 34 of 40 shots for Erie (15-24-7) before being replaced by Daniel Dekoning for the third period. Dekoning made seven saves in relief.