by Romano Di Franco
The Nepean Raiders came into the Nepean Sportsplex Steve Yzerman Arena rested up for their third pre-season game. It would be a rematch against the Navan Grads following their game one week prior.
For the starting goalies we have Evan Grant who had a no decision start in the last two games got the start in goal for the Raiders. Finn Wilson got the nod in goal for the Grads.
Although the first period had no goals to report, both goalies were absolutely stellar in goal. This even included when Evan Grant flashed the leather on Nicholas Verdon. The Raiders would outshoot the Navan Grads 13-11 in that first period.
The game remained as a goaltender’s duel until Matthew D’Urso scored to open the scoring for Navan. Their lead did not last long as three minutes later, Sidney Bellfoy tied the game at one assisted from Jackson Legault and Axel Pelletier. Two minutes later, Jack Malandra scored following a jam-away to make this a 2-1 game.
Just like the first period, the Raiders and the Grads relied on a goaltending performance in the third period. That was until Jack Malandra scored to put the icing on the cake. The Raiders won the game by a final score of 3-1.
The three star selections are as follows: For his two goal performance, Jack Malandra was named the first star of the game for Nepean. For his 36 save effort, Evan Grant was given the second star and with a 36 save performance of his own, Finn Wilson was rewarded the third star for the Navan Grads.
Nepean’s next pre-season game will take place on Friday against the Smiths Falls Bears at the Smiths Falls Memorial Centre before closing out the exhibition portion on Sunday at the Sportsplex.
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