The Sydney Academy Wildcats opened the Blue and White Contractor Cup with a 5-4 loss to the Memorial Marauders at the Membertou Sport and Wellness Centre on Thursday.

The Wildcats lead after the first period, but allowed four unanswered goals, including the game-winner at 5:19 of the third period.

Ian Jankins and Nolan Ryan both scored twice, while Evan Fraser recorded the game-winner for the Marauders.

Justin Thistle, Zach Conn, Alex Chenhall and Dante Basque netted goals for the Wildcats.

Aidan Penny allowed four goals of six shots before being replaced by Cole Pygiel, who stopped all 16 shots he faced in his 30 minutes of relief. Pygiel picked up the win.

Liam Collings turned aside 25 of 30 shots for Sydney Academy.

In other action Thursday, the Glace Bay Panthers doubled the Riverview Redmen 4-2.

Xavier Johnson scored three goals, including the game-winner, while Matthew Crane added a single marker for the Panthers.

Glace Bay's Colton Boutilier made 18 saves, while Josh Leudy allowed four goals on 24 shots for Riverview.

Action at the Blue and White Contractor Cup resumes Friday afternoon.

Tournament Schedule:
Friday:
12 p.m. – Riverview vs. Dartmouth
12 p.m. – Glace Bay vs. Prince Andrew
1:30 p.m. – Richmond vs. Forest Heights
4 p.m. – Dartmouth vs. Prince Andrew
5:30 p.m. – Sydney Academy vs. Richmond
7 p.m. – Memorial vs. Forest Heights
Saturday:
8 a.m. – Glace Bay vs. Dartmouth
9:30 a.m. – Memorial vs. Richmond
11 a.m. – Riverview vs. Prince Andrew
12:30 p.m. – Sydney Academy vs. Forest Heights
5 p.m. – 1st Morrison vs. 2nd MacNeil
7 p.m. – 1st MacNeil vs. 2nd Morrison
Sunday:
11 a.m. – Championship game

sports@cbpost.com
Twitter: @CBPost_Sports