by Romano Di Franco.
The Nepean Raiders made their Nepean Sportsplex Steve Yzerman debut this season by hosting the Kemptville 73s who were swept in last year’s Bogart Cup Playoffs against the Carleton Place Canadiens.
Nepean came into this game sporting a 1-1 record in the pre-season . Meanwhile, the 73s came into the contest having played just once and that was back on August 30th in a 3-2 win against the Canadiens.
For the pre-season matchup, Otsirakatste Brant who had a record of 8-16 a year ago got the start in goal for the Raiders. Also, Rylan Donovan who won 13 games with the 73s a year ago got the call for the 73s.
The visiting Kemptville 73s scored first when Matthew Montoni tallied his first goal of the exhibition part of the 25-26 season. Lucas Achim and Alexis Beaulieu drew the assists.
It didn’t take long for the Raiders to answer back with two quick goals from Mikayil Kahriman and Luka Benoit. The 73s ended the first period with two goal of their own when Alexis Beaulieu and Boston Bourque replied for Kemptville.
At the end of the first period, the shots on net were an even eight a piece.
When the second period began, this trend of great goals continued. A minute and twelve seconds in, Karsten Barbeau scored his first goal of the year for the Raiders. Shortly after Zachary Vennace scored twice for the visiting 73s.
The former Burrell High All-Star forward in Julian Kemp scored his first goal with Nepean to help cut the 73s lead to 5-4. Kemptville restored their two goal cushion when Lucas Achim replied for the visitors.
Despite that, the shots on net were 9-8 in favor of the Raiders.
The third period was all Kemptville 73s when Alexis Beaulieu, Will Mullins, Cooper Grant and Zackel Mongeon scored to make the final score 10-4.
With two goals of the game, Zachary Venance was named the first star of the game for the 73s. With four points of the game, Alexis Beaulieu was given the second star of the game, last but not least with one goal and one assist, Karsten Barbeau was rewarded the third star of the game for the Nepean Raiders.
Their next game will take place here at the Yzerman Arena when the reigning Bogart Cup champion Rockland Nationals come to town in a week from today on September 10th. The Raiders will conclude the pre-season with road games in Rockland and Kemptville.
Nepean’s season opener will take place on September 17th when the Renfrew Wolves come to town.
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