By Romano Di Franco
The Nepean Raiders hosted the Pembroke Lumber Kings at the Nepean Sportsplex Steve Yzerman Arena in a game that saw the Raiders almost come back from a 4-1 deficit in the first period.
The Lumber Kings dominated the first period before the momentum shifted and the Raiders dominated the second. The only question was who would dominate the third period.
Tyler Laureault got the start in goal but he was pulled after allowing three goals on nine shots in a span of just 5:44. Keenan Alnahas entered the game in relief of Laureault and had a stellar finish as he turned away 42 of the 43 shots that he faced on his way to a 0.977 save percentage and a 1.12 goals against average.
Cameron Hough scored his 18th goal of the season unassisted to open the scoring before Jack Stockfish doubled the lead and Dennis Golovatchev’s first of two on the night would chase Tyler Laureault from the game.
Nepean called a time out to regroup and regroup they did as Evan Boucher would get one back quickly with his first goal since January 3 and sixteenth of the season to lead the Raiders in that category. The Boucher goal seemed to turn the tide in the game as the Raiders went on to score two goals in the second to make it 4-3 after 40 minutes.
The answer to that question about who would dominate the third was answered as both goalies slammed the door not allowing another goal the rest of the way. Pembroke netminder Joseph Wiese and Keenan Alnahas dominated the third.
The Raiders pulled Alhanas in the third period for an extra attacker and the Raiders did have some quality opportunities to tie the game but for the outstanding play of Wiese.
For his efforts, Alhanas was named the game’s third star and that was the third time this season that he garnered a star selection. The last time was on December 11th when he made 47 saves on 50 shots in 3-2 loss to the Cornwall Colts.
The Nepean Raiders next game in Friday, January 31 when they visit the Navan Memorial Centre to face the Grads. Puck drop is at 7:30pm.
