Gedraitis Puts On Masterclass Against Smiths Falls

 

by Romano Di Franco

The Nepean Raiders travelled back home to the Nepean Sportsplex Steve Yzerman Arena as they hosted the Smiths Falls Bears following their lengthy five game road trip. Zack Freimuth made his home-debut and scored his first career CCHL goal. The Smiths Falls Bears entered the game with a win against the Hawkesbury Hawks 3-2. For the starting goalies, John Gedraitis got the start in goal for the Raiders for the second consecutive game having made 27 saves in that aforementioned game. Ethan Morrow, who was recently committed to Royal Military College for the next season, got the start in goal for the visiting Smiths Falls Bears.

The Bears got on the board first when Davis Hails fired a shot from the point following a d to d pass from Brayden Childerhose. Nepean’s best chance in the first period came when Dekyln Campbell fired a shot on center ice where Ethan Morrow flashed the leather to make the save. This was possibly the Raiders best chance of the night.

Smiths Falls made the game 2-0 when Kyle James roofed a shot into the net. Davis Hails and Kyle Dagg assisted on the goal.

The Bears proceeded to outshoot the Raiders 23-5, but John Gedraitis kept the Raiders in the game having made an astounding 21 saves in that first period alone.

The second period was filled with amazing chances for the Raiders as Nick Houben tried to jam one off of Morrow. It looked though as the Raiders got on the scoreboard from Maaslin Etchart’s long shot. That goal was called off when it was determined that his stick was too high. That was the second game in a row in which Nepean had a goal overturned.

Smiths Falls would outshoot Nepean 14-12 in the middle frame.

The third period began with Quinn Booth being awarded a penalty shot as he was hauled down on a break-away. Gedraitis would use his stick to make the save and keep this a 2-0 lead.

Just like the second period, the third period was filled with fantastic scoring chances for the Raiders. First, Mikayil Kahirman fired a cannon of shot the had Ethan Morrow make another great glove save. Dekyln Campbell had his shot go off the post and out.

Smiths Falls would put the icing on the cake when Ben Whitford scored his second goal of the season.

For the three star selections with one goal and one assist in this game Davis Hails was given the game’s third star for the Smiths Falls Bears, John Gedraitis who stopped a magnificent 43 of 45 shots he faced was named the game’s second star for the Raiders and Ethan Morrow who made all 30 saves was named the game’s first star.

Building on the Positives

Despite the loss, there are plenty of positives for the Raiders to build on. Gedraitis’ stellar goaltending, the team’s ability to adapt defensively in the game, and their relentless effort in the final period all point to a team that refuses to back down.

With each game, the Raiders continue to develop and grow stronger. As they regroup for their next challenge, expect them to bring the same level of heart, energy, and determination that makes them a team to watch in the CCHL.

The Raider’s next game will be held on Sunday February 2nd in a rematch against the Smiths Falls Bears and that will also take place at the Nepean Sportsplex Steve Yzerman Arena. The game on Groundhog Day will be a 2:30PM puck drop.

Be sure to subscribe to the Raiders official YouTube channel!