Kemptville 4, Ottawa 3
Kemptville showcased determination and efficiency in a thrilling 4-3 victory against Ottawa, capitalizing on key opportunities to secure the win.
Ottawa struck first just 28 seconds into the game with a goal by St. Michel, assisted by Iserhoff and Mazzotta. Kemptville responded decisively, equalizing at 9:20 with a power-play goal from Bennett, his 11th of the season, assisted by Trottier and Stubbings. They seized the lead at 12:56 when Graves found the back of the net off passes from Montoni and O’Doherty. Despite minor penalties from both teams, Kemptville’s composure gave them the edge.
The middle frame was quieter offensively, but Ottawa managed to draw level late in the period. Matsukubo scored his 17th of the season, assisted by Gagnon, at 19:17. Kemptville’s penalty kill remained strong, neutralizing Ottawa’s power-play opportunities.
Kemptville came out firing, with Bennett netting his second of the night just 56 seconds in, supported by Beaulieu and McDonald. Graves extended the lead to 4-2 at 9:34, scoring his second of the game with assists from Loreto and McDonald. Although Ottawa’s Pelchat cut the deficit to one with a goal at 16:32, Kemptville’s defense and solid goaltending by Bennett, who made 27 saves, sealed the win.
Kemptville 2, Hawkesbury 5
The Kemptville 73s showed determination but came up short against the Hawkesbury Hawks, falling 5-2 in a high-energy contest. While the Hawks controlled much of the game, Kemptville’s persistence and second-half push highlighted their potential.
Hawkesbury struck first in the opening period, with Perron scoring at 5:45, assisted by Besner and Breitzke. The Hawks dominated possession, outshooting Kemptville 18-5, as the 73s struggled to find their rhythm. Penalties, including interference on Shaw and hooking by Montoni, further hindered Kemptville’s momentum.
The second period saw Hawkesbury extend their lead with a trio of goals. Trudeau scored early at 1:57, followed by Skoczylas and D’Arcy netting goals just a minute apart at 8:48 and 9:46, respectively. Despite falling behind 4-0, Kemptville responded with a goal from Dylan McDougall at 11:26, assisted by Gilmour, giving the team a much-needed spark. The period was marked by escalating physicality, with roughing penalties on both sides and a chaotic sequence of infractions at 16:24 involving face mask grabbing and multiple roughing calls.
Kemptville’s resilience shone through in the third period. Taking advantage of their only power-play opportunity, Santino Canevari scored at 7:53, with Stubbings providing the assist. This goal cut the deficit to 4-2 and gave the 73s hope for a late comeback. However, Hawkesbury held firm, and a late goal by Brown at 18:21 sealed the game for the Hawks.
Despite the loss, Kemptville’s effort was commendable. McDougall and Canevari led the offensive charge, and the team outshot Hawkesbury 16-14 in the final period. With continued effort and focus, the 73s can build on their second-half performance and carry into tomorrow night’s game against Rockland.
Kemptville 1, Rockland 4
The Rockland Nationals emerged victorious with a 4-1 win over the Kemptville 73’s in a hard-fought, penalty-filled game. Kemptville came out strong in the first period, with Stubbings scoring at 4:56 off assists from Bennett and Canevari. However, Rockland responded late in the period on a power play goal by Myloserdnyy at 17:01, tying the game before intermission. Despite conceding the equalizer, Kemptville’s penalty kill showed flashes of resilience, enduring three penalties in the first 20 minutes.
The second period saw Rockland capitalize on early momentum, scoring twice within the first three minutes. Dres netted his first of the season at 1:31, followed by a quick goal from Tellier at 2:43. Kemptville struggled to regain composure as the period devolved into a parade to the penalty box, with both teams racking up roughing and misconduct infractions during a heated sequence at the 4:13 mark. Despite the penalty chaos, Kemptville’s goaltender Trenten Bennett made critical saves to keep the deficit manageable, stopping 10 of 12 shots in the frame.
Rockland sealed the victory in the third period when Le Houillier scored at 6:01. Kemptville battled to generate offense, firing seven shots in the final frame but failing to solve Rockland’s netminder, Forget, who finished with 27 saves. Though Kemptville outmatched Rockland in physicality, evident in their aggressive play, the 73’s struggled to capitalize on their opportunities, going 0-for-7 on the power play. Despite the loss, Kemptville’s early goal and Bennett’s 34-save performance were bright spots in an otherwise challenging game.
photo: www.icelevel.com
