by the sportsguy
Kemptville 73’s hosted the Rockland Nationals for their season finale on Sunday afternoon to post a 5-2 victory, moving on to the playoffs. A special acknowledgment of the players who have committed to further their scholastic and hockey endeavours was part of the opening ceremonies before the puck drop. Chuck-a-puck was part of the celebrations as well, as gracious bouquets of flowers from 73’s billets in appreciation to their families were presented.
Kemptville with a PP, as Houle pinched the line to Lammi up the wall, across to Patrick Larkin to break the ice at 4:31. A give and go from Savignac to Lammi so Jeff Taylor could pull the trigger at 14:30. Whyte combined with Campeau to tee up a drive from Brock Krulicki at 12:32 to give Kemptville a 3-zip lead in the second stanza.
Rockland’s Nick White, with helpers from Frechette and Pilot, spoiling Tyler Laureault’s SO at 2:01 to open the final twenty. Howie transitioned ahead to Savignac, over to Jeff Taylor to rifle it top shelf for his second of the day at 6:44 for the 73’s. Howie on the attack with York to find Patrick Larkin in the soft spot to bury it for his second of the event at 9:34 to make it a 4 goal runaway. The Nationals will connect with Callum Craft, assisted by Leonard and Blue at 14:17 to close the contest with a 5-2 count.
Kemptville outgunned Rockland 42 to 34, with the 73’s one PPG on two attempts and the Nationals with five PP without success. Kemptville’s PK extremely impressive, as they had to shutdown a 5-on-3 and sacrificed their bodies to protect their lead.
Jason York’s post game comments: “Great season for our team, very exciting, first time being in the playoffs since the Tugnutt Era. I am very pleased with how the team is peaking at the right time”.
Kemptville in the rocking chair waiting for the climax of the battle between the Wolves and the Braves to determine their playoff foe.
Cinch up your belt, hold on tight, this is going to be exciting entertainment for Kemptville fans, whoever they face.
Hockey with edge…see you around the wall.
