by Romano Di Franco
The Nepean Raiders welcomed the Renfrew Wolves at the Nepean Sportsplex Steve Yzerman Arena for Part 2 of the home and home set. Nepean came into this game having won 6-3 in the Mae-Te-Way-Activity-Center just 24 hours ago. In terms of the starting goalies, Brady McEwen got the start in goal having gotten the night off yesterday and was terrific following a decisive 1-0 shootout win against the Kemptville 73s. Nolan Lane who was looking for a bounce-back game following their 8-4 loss against the Ottawa Junior Senators got the call for the visiting Wolves.
First Period Highlights:
The opening period saw the Nepean Raiders and Renfrew Wolves go head and shoulders for the majority of that opening frame. The Raiders killed off a big double minor penalty assessed to John Lumsden. Also, Brady McEwen made 15 saves on 16 shots but it was Andrew Morton who got the only goal in that first period.
Second Period Action:
The Nepean Raiders responded in the second period, leveling the score with a goal from Nicolas Papineau at 8:38. It was his 11th of the season with Bo Doxtator and Kyle Slingerland drawing the assists. However, the Wolves quickly regained the lead with Andrew Morton netting his second goal of the night at 15:22, assisted by Jace Letourneau and Owen Grainger. By the end of the second period, the Wolves outshot the Raiders 14-11.
Third Period Drama:
The final period added more drama to the game as the Nepean Raiders fought to catch up. Brandon Reinisch managed to tie the game at 2 following a mad scramble in front of the Renfrew net. John Lumsden and Nolan DeFazio drew the assists. That would be it as Noah VomScheidt scored the game-winning goal three minutes later.
Shots on Goal and Penalties:
Renfrew dominated the shots on goal, registering 43 shots compared to Nepean’s 34. The penalty count was relatively low, with both teams seeing some time in the sin bin. Notable penalties included a 4-minute power play for the Nepean Raiders in the first period due to John Lumsden’s high-sticking. Also, the Raiders would have gotten a penalty shot mid-way in the second period but instead it was just a hooking minor to Isaac Enright.
Three Stars of the Game:
- Andrew Morton (#19) – Renfrew Wolves: The first star of the game, Morton showcased his scoring prowess with two goals and one assist.
- Nicolas Papineau (#25) – Nepean Raiders: Papineau earned the second star with a crucial goal in the second period.
- Noah VomScheidt (#11) – Renfrew Wolves: VomScheidt secured the third star with a pivotal goal in the third period.
The thrilling matchup between the Renfrew Wolves and Nepean Raiders kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer. The Raiders had their best showings of the afternoon tying the game mid-way through the third period on a goal from Brandon Reinsch. With the loss, Nepean is now looking to start a new winning streak against the Renfrew Wolves.
The Raiders next game will be held on Friday February 9th when they travel to the Brockville Memorial Centre to visit the Brockville Braves.
