73's.
Dropping the puck are left to right: Dave Richardson and Paul Brenton, 73’s Ben Hutton and Bears Connor MacLaren.
B. Wilson Photo
The 73’s were right back in the lion’s cage on Thursday, Nov.24.
Kemptville travelled back to Cornwall for another shot at the Colts. Cornwall is challenging for top spot in the Robinson Division in what is now a three-way battle between the Colts, Braves and Canadians.
Unfortunately, they fared no better this week than they did last week. In a tightly fought first period, the Colts only managed to score once to hold a 1-0 lead after the first.
However, the floodgates opened in the second and Cornwall scored four times. They added three more in the third and defeated the 73’s 8-0. The trio of Ammirato, Borkowski and Tylor Spink accounted for nine points in the game.
The next night, Kemptville faced the Ottawa Junior Senators, who are presently in second place in the Yzerman Division. The 73’s jumped out to an early lead when Steve Genier notched his second of the season from Josh Pitt and Mason Nowak, just 38 seconds after the opening face off.
Ottawa got that one back but Cedric Lacroix scored to restore Kemptville’s one goal lead. Jesse Ferras and Eric Malloy set up the goal.
In the second period, both teams scored twice. Blaine Byron did the damage for the 73’s with his fourth and fifth of the year. Matt Rosebrook, Ben Hutton, Malloy and Genier assisted on the goals. Holding a 4-3 lead going into the third, defensive lapses proved to be their undoing in this game.
The Sens scored twice in a two and a half minute span to take a 5-4 lead and then added an insurance goal later in the period. With Kemptville pressing during the last minute of the game, Ottawa added an empty net goal with forty seconds left, to walk away with a 7-4 victory.
Liam Burtt picked up three assists for Ottawa. Blaine Byron was named the game’s second star.
Sunday afternoon had the Smiths Falls Bears come to town for Kemptville’s “Movember” game. The CCHL’s decision to support “Movember” and its beneficiary Prostate Cancer Canada had the teams participating in fund raising.
For this game five dollars from each ticket sold was donated to the movement. Also, the 73’s ran a silent auction.
Sponsors donating for this worthy cause were, Canadian Tire, Shaw, Wal-Mart, Staples, Marlin Travel, KBC and the 73’s.
The pre-game ceremonies featured a presentation to Dave Richardson for his selection as Kemptville 73’s volunteer of the year from last season from 73’s owner, Paul Brenton. Dave, who is a cancer survivor, also did a ceremonial puck with the Captains from both teams.
Again, the 73’s started fast, scoring 1:21 seconds into the game. Eric Malloy got his seventh of the year with the assist going to Blaine Byron.
Hiio Herne followed that goal with his third of the year from Alex Bouchey and Stevie Ray Adams. Ben Hutton notched his seventh of the year before the end of the first. Steve Genier and Mason Nowak picked up the helpers on that goal. With Kemptville holding a 3-0 lead after one period, Smiths Falls changed their goalie for the start of the second.
Mackenzie Sawyer came in and effectively shut the door on the 73’s.
The Bears got one back in the period. In the third the 73’s restored their three goal lead when Stevie Ray Adams got his first goal of the season and as a member of the 73’s.
Adams was acquired from Hawkesbury in a trade for Daniel Lacroix. Bouchey earned his second assist of the game. The Bears scored three times in the frame to tie the game and force overtime.
With no scoring in overtime, the match went to a shootout to be decided. Smiths Falls came out on top and took home the extra point.
Newly acquired Stevie Ray Adams made a good impression in his first game with the team, getting a goal and an assist and being named the game’s first star.
Matt Rosebrook was named the third star. Karsten Pankhurst, Kemptville’s goaltender, faced 52 shots in this game.
This week’s games feature two more road games for the team. Kemptville will play in Hawkesbury on Friday, Dec.2 and then in Pembroke on Sunday, Dec 4.
The 73’s then return home on Friday, Dec 9 for a tilt with the Kanata Stallions. Come out and support your team and community. Catch the Junior A fever!