by Romano Di Franco
The Nepean Raiders began their season ending four game homestand by hosting the Rockland Nationals at the Nepean Sportsplex Steve Yzerman Arena. Nepean came into this game in an effort to leave behind a 7-2 loss to the Ottawa Junior Senators from yesterday. On the other hand, the first place Rockland Nationals shut out the Cornwall Colts 2-0. For the starting goalies, Sean Hogan who made his first start in ten days following a 4-2 loss to the Kemptville 73s got the start in goal for visiting Rockland. Having been given a couple of games off it was John Gedraitis who got the start in goal for the Raiders.
It didn’t take long for Nepean to draw first blood as Luka Benoit fired home the rebound for his 25th goal of the season. Not only that, but the Ottawa native now has goals in five of the last six games. Peter Freel and Spencer Thompson drew the assists on that goal. Rockland answered back on a centering pass. It was Mathis Beril who tied the game at one. Raphael Tellier and Guillaume Labre contributed to the goal.
Although the Nationals overwhelmed the Raiders in the shots on goal on the first period outshooting them 21-8 , it was John Gedraits who was lights out in that period as he stopped 20 shots in that period alone.
The second period started out with a bang for the Nepean Raiders when Josh Caesar and Tyler Smith scored the goals to begin the frame. Rockland answered back with goals from Anthony Hall and Mathys Laurent. Nepean capitalized on a long lead pass from John Gedraitis to Dekyln Campbell on a gorgeous setup to Carter Williamson who finished the play off for his 11th goal of the season.
Even though Rockland continuously outshot the Raiders 17-9 in that second period, John Gedriatis made 15 saves in that middle frame alone.
The third period was all Rockland as Josh Penny scored twice in the game including the game winning goal. Alex Kelloway then sealed the deal on an empty net goal.
For the three star selection, having made a season high 56 saves in the game, John Gedraitis was awarded the first star of the game for the Nepean Raiders. With two goals of the game including the game winning goal it was Josh Penney who tabbed the second star of the game for the Rockland Nationals. Last, but not least with one goal and two assists, it was Anthony Hall that earned the third star for the Nats.
Nepean’s next game will be held on Wednesday, March 5th when the Pembroke Lumber Kings come to town. Having split the results, the Raiders are looking to clinch the season series as a whole.
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Here is the link to the Live Stream: Rockland Nationals vs Nepean Raiders – March 2nd, 2025 – Live Stream
