by Romano Di Franco
The Nepean Raiders closed out their CCHL Showcase at the Richcraft Sensplex – Canadian Tire arena in dramatic fashion with a come-from-behind 5-3 win over the Carleton Place Canadians.
Brady McEwan got the start in goal for Nepean while Ian Vandenberg got the assignment for Carleton Place.
It was a see-saw battle that saw the lead change three times as heroes emerged in the third period.
The first hero was Josh Reid who got the Raiders within one after they lost their 1-0 lead after Carleton Place scored three goals on special teams with one short-handed and two PowerPlay goals to take the lead five and half minutes into the final frame. Reid’s backhand goal was initially waived and play continued but was reviewed and judged a goal.
The second hero was Nicolas Papineau who tied the game.
Hero number three was Mario Scalise who got the game-winning goal with his first career CCHL tally.
Raiders netminder Brady McEwan was the final hero that Nepean needed as he also scored his first career CCHL goal. This one came with the Carleton Place Canadians’ net empty as his blast from behind his own net split the uprights to ice the win for Nepean.
The Nepean Raiders and Carleton Place Canadians faced off in an exciting hockey matchup, with the Nepean Raiders ultimately emerging victorious with a final score of 5-3.
Riley Streska had the first Raiders goal at 16:49 in the first period.
Nepean Raiders outshot Carleton Place Canadians 32 to 29 over the course of the game.
The game featured dynamic plays, power-play goals, and a late surge from the Nepean Raiders to secure the victory. It was an intense and entertaining contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats throughout.
Nepean faces the Rockland Nationals in their next game on October 15 at the Nepean Sportsplex with a 2:30pm puck drop.
