Loisel Makes 39 Saves in 4-1 Loss

by Romano Di Franco

NEPEAN, ON – The Nepean Raiders were back at home at the Nepean Sportsplex Steve Yzerman Arena for a Sunday matinee game against the Renfrew Wolves. The two teams have met twice this season with Renfrew having come away with the win on both occasions.

Newly signed Nathan Loisel (1-1, 4.15 GAA) had his second consecutive start for the Raiders while Sebastian (3-1-1, 3.50 GAA) was between the pipes for the Wolves.

The two teams skated to a scoreless first period with both teams having their chances with Ryan Liverman and Jeff Taylor had the best opportunities for the Raiders and Anthony Rivard came close on a short-handed situation. Both keepers looked sharp as Loisel turned aside all 13 shots he faced while Resar stopped the 10 shots the Raiders threw at him.

Renfrew broke the ice with 1:24 into the second period as period after Joey Kennelly skated from his own blue line all the way to the goal mouth before beating Loisel over the blocker. Talon Duff made it 2-0 Wolves a couple of minutes later blasting a shot from the slot that Loisel could not see with three bodies directly in front of him.

Former Raider Tyson Tomasini made it 3-0 after making a nifty move to get around Samuel Beaulne and taking it to the net sending the puck over Loisel’s right shoulder.

Nepean’s best chances came on a double-minor man-advantage they had after Mason Goldie picked up a High Sticking penalty after clipping Coleman Bennett and drawing blood.

The second period ended with the Wolves out in front 3-0 but the Raiders would carry the man-advantage into the third for another minute and a half. Renfrew had the majority of chances outshooting Nepean 18-7 to take an overall lead of 31-17.

The two teams traded goals in the third with Charlie Johnson sending the Wolves up 4-0 before Nepean points-leader Zachary Lefebrve spoiled Resar’s shutout bid with a goal with 2:24 left in the third period tipping in a Jeff Taylor shot.

The game ended with the Renfew Wolves scoring a 4-1 victory

Wolves’ forwards Joey Kennelly (1G | 1A) was named the game’s first star with Charlie Johson (1G | 1A) getting the second star nod. Raider netminder Nathan Loisel (39 saves on 43 shots faced) earned third star honours.

Jeff Taylor (1A) and multiple scoring chances was named the hardest working Raider.

Fast facts… The Raiders are missing their fourth and fifth best points-per-game players with Owen Hollingsworth (0.81 Pt/G) and Tyler Melvin (0.76 Pt/G) out with injuries.

The Raiders next game is Friday, December 10 as they are in Hawkesbury to take on the Hawks at the Robert Hartley Sports Complex for a 7:30pm puck drop.