by Romano Di Franco
The Nepean Raiders began their home and home series visiting the Kemptville 73s at the North Grenville Municipal Center. For the starting goalies, Brady McEwen who was brilliant in the last game against the Ottawa Junior Senators was in goal while Jacob Biron got the nod in net for the 73s.
First Period: Kemptville Takes the Lead
The first period set the tone for Kemptville’s dominance, with two early goals. At the 6:58 mark, Tyler Melvin found the back of the net, assisted by Patrick Haughian and Nicholas Bennett. Nicholas Esposito extended the lead with a goal at 16:29, assisted by Emile Trottier. Nepean had two “Grade A” scoring chances in the opening half as Nicolas Papineau went in solo but was stopped by Jacob Biron and then David Taylor hit the post. The period concluded with the Kemptville 73s leading 2-0 and them out shooting the Raiders 12-4.
Second Period: Kemptville Extends Their Advantage
Kemptville continued their offensive onslaught in the second period. Ryan Rutley added to the scoreboard at 12:45, assisted by Tyler Moroz and Tyler Melvin. The lead further widened as Tyler Melvin netted his second goal of the game at 15:20, assisted by Avry Shaw, even while Kemptville was short-handed.
As the second period concluded, Kemptville led comfortably with a 4-0 score.
Third Period: Kemptville Seals the Win
The final period saw no let-up from Kemptville. Owen Redmond extended the lead to 5-0 at 7:33, assisted by Matthew Montoni and Ben Kozyra. Emile Trottier sealed the victory with the sixth and final goal at 10:06, assisted by Nicholas Esposito and Matthew O’Doherty. But it was the Raiders who outshot Kemptville 9-5 in that third period.
The Nepean Raiders faced a formidable defense led by Kemptville’s goaltender, Jacob Biron, who made 19 saves, securing a shutout for the team.
Penalties and Three Stars
The game featured several penalties, with both teams spending time in the penalty box. Kemptville’s disciplined defense, despite penalties, prevented the Nepean Raiders from capitalizing on power plays. Despite that, Nepean killed off one Kemptville powerplay
The Three Stars of the game were awarded to standout players:
- First Star: Tyler Melvin (#16) of Kemptville 73’s, with 2 goals and 1 assist.
- Second Star: Jacob Biron (#1) of Kemptville 73’s, who secured a shutout with 19 saves.
- Third Star: Joshua Reid (#3) of Nepean Raiders, who put up a valiant effort in the face of Kemptville’s offensive onslaught.
The Kemptville 73’s demonstrated their skill and teamwork, leaving a lasting impression on the ice and securing a decisive victory over the Nepean Raiders in this exciting Friday night clash.
The Raiders will be back at it on Sunday January 28th when the Kemptville 73s will travel to the Nepean Sportsplex Steve Yzerman Arena as part of
