by Romano Di Franco
The Nepean Raiders took on their cross-town rivals in the second of a four-game series in developmental scrimmage action on Saturday night at the Steve Yzerman Arena. Former Raider netminder Tyler Laureault got the start for the Ottawa Junior Senators while Connor Shibley got the start for the Raiders.
For the fourth time this season and second straight game, the Raiders opened the scoring as Rylan Iwachniuk got Nepean out in front 1-0 with his first goal as a Raider. William Venne had his shot blocked by Laureault but Iwachniuk pounced on the rebound and found the back of the net. Costa Toulipolous was credited with the second assist on the play.
The lead would be short-lived though as Ethan Mulhearn drew the Junior Sens even just 15 seconds later. They would get the go-ahead goal later in the first period on a goal by Kolton Shindle.
The Raiders got the equalizer in the second period when Patrick Maule tallied his team-leading fourth goal. Carter Vollett and Anthony Rivard got the helpers. The Raiders had a four-minute power play after David Mabey took a high-sticking penalty against Adam Cater who was hit in the face towards the end of the second period. Cater would return in the third.
After 40 minutes, the teams were deadlocked at 2-apiece but the Mabey penalty would come back to haunt OJS as Maule would restore the Raiders lead. OJS answered right back as Braeden Bowman beat Shibley with a nifty move to even the score
Shibley looked solid in the Nepean net turning away 29 of 32 shots in regulation including stoning the Junior Sens on a 3-on-1 opportunity late in the third.
Overtime saw both teams have glorious scoring opportunities but penalties were the real story as Sam Edwards took a High Sticking penalty in OT and William Venne was assessed a Hooking minor just three seconds into the PowerPlay. Ethan Mulhearn was awarded a penalty shot moments later when he was held on a break-away and he made good sending the visitors home happy.
The Raiders threw 27 shots at Tyler Laureault. Find the complete game summary here. Ethan Mulhearn earned the first star, Connor Shibley was named the second star for his 30-stop performance. Braeden Bowman got the nod for third star.
The Raiders next contest is Wednesday, March 3 as they continue a four game series against the Ottawa Junior Senators. Puck-drop is at 8:30PM at the Jim Durrell Sports Complex.
