It was an upset of the season Fri. night! The visiting Nepean Raiders topped the league-leading Carleton Place Canadians 3-2 in a shootout.
The Canadians entered the game as the second-ranked junior team in Canada and had won 14-straight CCHL contests.
But forward Malcolm Arseneau was the only one score in the shootout, giving Nepean their 10th victory on the year.
Liam Soulière was tremendous in goal for the Raiders, stopping 53 shots in regulation and overtime with an additional three in the shootout.
“First off, Liam played a hell of a game. He was always in the right spot and just played great. Hats off to him,” said head coach Darcy Findlay.
“That’s what we brought him in for. It was the first time he’s played there, he really stepped up and gave us a chance over and over again. A big reason we got the two points.”
Nepean’s offence was supplied from their backend. Defensemen Corey Tam and Bryson Michel added goals in the first and second respectively.
Forward Kari Belec continued his point streak with an assist on Michel’s goal. Belec now has nine points in his last four games.
Findlay chalked it up to watching film of their opponent, no matter the odds.
“I think everybody in the league understands Carleton Place. They really stick to their guns so you need limit their opportunities and clog up the lanes and slot area,” said Findlay.
“We started the weekend off in the right direction. We’ve got nothing to lose, we’re going to take this win and run.”
The Raiders have yet another tough matchup Sun. afternoon against the Ottawa Jr. Senators at the Sportsplex.
