by Romano Di Franco
The Nepean Raiders welcomed the Cornwall Colts to the Nepean Sportsplex Steve Yzerman Arena for their first game in a week. The game was filled with pre-game spectacle which included the retirement of former Nepean Raider player Mackenzie Weegar. The Raiders dropped their game against the Brockville Braves 5-4 which even included rallying back form a 4-2 deficit. Meanwhile the Cornwall Colts held on to defeat the Ottawa Junior Senators 2-1. For the starting goalies, John Gedraitis who took the loss in relief against the Braves got the start in goal for Nepean. Meanwhile, Gavin Melcher made his first career CCHL start.
In the first period, the Cornwall Colts outshot the Raiders 12-11. Despite that, the only goal in that period was from Colby Lauzon on a great set-up from Chancey Novasad. The Raiders would kill off the Peter Freel penalty which was the only penalty in the first period.
In the second period, it was the Raiders turn to outshoot the Cornwall Colts as they outshot them 12-10. Owen Smetham would bank a shot off of Gavin Melcher to help Nepean tie the game at one. That was the only goal of the second period. For the rest of the period, the Colts and the Raiders traded some pretty good scoring chances. This included a shot from the point by Nathan Nadeau only for Gavin Melcher to smother the puck.
In the third period, the Colts would close the scoring when they got goals from Adam Walker and Austin Kluksdahl. Walker’s goal was the game-winning goal whereas Kluksdahl’s first career CCHL goal was the empty netter. Cornwall would out shoot the Raiders 14-8.
Overall, the Raiders killed off both Cornwall’s penalties bringing their penalty kill streak at seven.
Key Performers
1st Star: Adam Walker (Cornwall) – 1 Goal
2nd Star: Gavin Melcher (Cornwall) – 30 Saves on 31 Shots
3rd Star: Owen Smetham (Nepean) – 1 Goal
Game Notes
Cornwall capitalized on a strong 3rd period, with Adam Walker scoring the game-winner and Austin Kluksdahl sealing the deal with an empty-netter. Goalie Gavin Melcher was outstanding in net, allowing just one goal and maintaining a .968 save percentage.
John Gedraitis was pretty good too as he stopped 34 of the 36 shots he faced.
Nepean’s next game will be held on November 30th when they visit the Ottawa Junior Senators at the Jim Durrell Sports Complex for game four of their provincial rivalry.
The Raiders have Ottawa’s number as they won two of the three games so far.
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