Kemptville 4, Nepean 3
The Kemptville 73’s edged out the Nepean Raiders in a closely contested 4-3 victory, showcasing strong play in all three periods. Nepean struck first in the opening period, with Campbell netting his 11th goal of the season at 16:22, putting the Raiders up 1-0. Kemptville faced an early setback but kept the game within reach, with each team playing a tight defensive game, allowing few scoring opportunities. A minor high-sticking penalty on Nepean’s Caesar at 6:13 was the only infraction in the period, but neither side capitalized on special teams.
The second period saw a scoring surge, as Kemptville responded quickly to Nepean’s early lead. Less than a minute in, Bennett scored his seventh goal of the season, assisted by Stubbings and Canevari, tying the game at 1-1. The 73’s didn’t stop there; at 7:57, Beaulieu scored his first of the season, with Bennett and Canevari once again involved in the play, giving Kemptville a 2-1 advantage. Nepean answered back midway through the period when Dickey scored his first goal, assisted by Lumsden, to tie it up once again. Kemptville reclaimed the lead late in the period, with Stubbings scoring off assists from Bennett and Beaulieu at 18:34. In the final seconds of the period, Nepean capitalized on a power play with Konobelj scoring at 19:55, tying the game at 3-3 heading into the final period.
In the third period, Kemptville made the most of a power play opportunity when Bennett scored his second goal of the night at 3:03, giving his team a 4-3 lead that would hold until the end. Nepean struggled to respond, despite outshooting Kemptville throughout the game, ultimately tallying 44 shots to Kemptville’s 35. Kemptville’s goaltender Donovan was a key factor in preserving the lead, making 41 saves in a stellar performance. Nepean’s Brant also had a strong game in net, stopping 31 of 35 shots. Both teams ended the night with one goal on three power-play attempts, reflecting a well-fought battle on both sides. In the end, Kemptville’s resilience and timely scoring secured them the victory in a thrilling matchup.
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Kemptville 1, Smiths Falls 0
The Kemptville 73’s emerged victorious in a gritty 1-0 battle against the Smiths Falls Bears, thanks to a stellar defensive effort and an outstanding performance from goaltender Bennett. The game’s lone goal came early in the first period, with Sweetapple capitalizing on a setup by Stubbings at the 5:00 mark. Despite being heavily outshot 34-10, Kemptville held firm, anchored by Bennett’s flawless 34-save shutout.
The second and third periods showcased Kemptville’s ability to stifle Smiths Falls’ offense. Strong penalty-killing units on both sides ensured that neither team could convert on their four power-play opportunities. Kemptville’s defense blocked lanes and limited high-danger chances, while Bennett stood tall under relentless pressure, particularly during Smiths Falls’ surges late in the game.
Although Smiths Falls dominated possession and shots on goal, their inability to solve Bennett ultimately cost them. Kemptville’s disciplined defensive structure and opportunistic scoring allowed them to overcome the odds, securing a hard-fought win in a matchup where they made every moment count.
photo: www.icelevel.com
