by Romano Di Franco
Introduction:
The Nepean Raiders began their five game road trip with a game at the Rockland CIHA Arena 1 for their game against the Rockland Nationals. For the starting goalies, it was John Gedraitis who got the start for the visiting Nepean Raiders while Benoit Forget was in the net for the Rockland Nationals.
Scoring Summary:
The Nepean Raiders wasted no time making their mark on the scoreboard, with Nicolas Papineau netting the opening goal just 29 seconds into the game. The first period saw a back-and-forth exchange, including goals from Dylan Paron for Nepean and Kyle Leonard ‘A’ scoring twice for the Rockland Nationals. The period ended with a 2-2 tie.
The second period continued the high-scoring affair, with Trystan-Félix Tremblay finding the back of the net for Rockland and Nolan DeFazio and Oliver Band scoring for the Raiders. Nepean headed into the final frame with a narrow 4-3 lead.
That third period was all Nepean who secured their victory with three unanswered goals. John Lumsden, Nicolas Papineau (earning his second of the night), and Riley Streska all contributed to the scoring frenzy, sealing the 7-3 win for the Raiders.
Three Stars of the Game:
- Nicolas Papineau (#25) – Nepean Raiders: Papineau’s stellar performance earned him the first star of the game, contributing two goals and an assist. His offensive prowess and playmaking abilities played a crucial role in the Raiders’ triumph.
- Kyle Leonard ‘A’ (#9) – Rockland Nationals: Despite being on the losing side, Leonard’s two-goal performance stood out, earning him the second star of the game. His offensive contributions showcased his scoring ability and determination.
- Dylan Paron (#19) – Nepean Raiders: Paron’s goal and assist earned him the third star of the game. His offensive skills and strategic play were instrumental in the Raiders’ success.
Penalty Drama:
The game was not without its share of penalties, with both teams accumulating significant penalty minutes. Oliver Band of the Nepean Raiders received a misconduct penalty for a check to the head, adding a dramatic element to an already intense matchup.
Conclusion:
The Nepean Raiders’ 7-3 victory over the Rockland Nationals provided fans with a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring stellar performances, intense scoring, and penalty-filled drama. As the teams left the ice, the Raiders celebrated a hard-fought win, while the Nationals regrouped, ready to face new challenges in their upcoming games. This matchup will undoubtedly be remembered as a classic in the ongoing rivalry between these two competitive hockey teams. Even though the Raiders were mathematically eliminated following their previous loss to the Pembroke Lumber Kings, their hoping that their victory will be a catalyst as finishing the season strong.
Nepean’s next game will be held on Sunday March 10th when they visit the Navan Grads at the Navan Memorial Centre.
