by Romano Di Franco
The Nepean Raiders played out their last game of February by welcoming the Pembroke Lumber Kings to the Nepean Sportsplex Steve Yzerman Arena. Nepean came into this game looking to put their 4-3 loss to the Carleton Place Canadians whereas the Pembroke Lumber Kings would fall to the Brockville Braves by a final count of 6-5. For the starting goalies, Otsirakatste Brant who turns 17 years old this week earned the start in goal for Nepean and Michael Modelski who started in that aforementioned game got the nod in goal tonight.
The Nepean Raiders began the the first period by putting the pressure on the Lumber Kings early and often. Perhaps, Nepean’s best chance came five minutes when Luka Benoit had Modelski beat but he missed the net. The only goal in that first period came when Jayson Alegria used some speed to score his league leading 43rd goal of the season. Alex Fortier and Leonard Jamfa Jr. drew the assists for the Lumber Kings.
Despite that, the Raiders outshot the Lumber Kings 16-10 in that opening period.
The second period started when Tristan Konobelj fired a shot glove side where Michael Modelski flashed the leather to make the save. Also, Deklyn Campbell would shoot up high when Alex Fortier saved a goal. Nepean would tie the game at one from a long shot from Maaslian Etchart. Carter Williamson and Dylan Pollock would assist on the goal. The over age forward extended his point streak to eight games.
The Pembroke Lumber Kings would be awarded a penalty shot when Alyandro De Leon was hauled down by Andrew Thompson. De Leon would fumble on the penalty shot and the game was tied after forty minutes of play.
The shots on goal after forty were fifteen a piece.
The Raiders began the third period just like what transpired in the first two periods. This time around Carson McGurn had the opportunity to help the Raiders go up front for good, but Eric Barnard saved a goal.
Jayson Alegria had a good chance to score his second goal of the game only to be robbed by Otsirakatste Brant who made the save of the night and possibly the save of the year.
Nepean would be up for good when Luka Benoit delivered a remarkable saucer pass to Tyler Smith who buried his ninth goal of the season. It was his ninth goal of the season. The Raiders put the icing on the cake with his 16th goal of the season.
For the three star selections, Otsirakatste Brant who made a terrific 31 saves of the game was the first star of the game, Tyler Smith who scored his third game winning goal of the season was the second star of the game and last but not least Michael Modelski who made 37 saves of the game was the third star.
Not only was it Nepean’s 15th win of the season, but the Raiders have played the role of spoiler of the Lumber Kings playoff hopes too.
Their next game will be held on Saturday March 1st at the Jim Durrell Sports Complex where they will see the Ottawa Junior Senators for the last time this season.
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