The CCHL held its annual Holiday Showcase this past weekend. All twelve teams played two games each at the Bell Sensplex in Ottawa.
The event was well attended by NHL and OHL scouts as well as recruiters for many NCAA Division 1 and Division 3 American colleges. At least ten NHL teams had player evaluators on hand over the course of the weekend.
Kemptville saw its first action on Saturday, Dec. 17 against the Pembroke Lumber Kings.
Those present at the game were treated to an exciting, fast paced game.
The first goal came at just over seven minutes into the second period, when the Kings scored a power play goal to take a 1-0 lead.
Less than two minutes into the third period, the 73’s got the equalizer. Josh Pitt scored his team leading 23rd goal on a beautiful passing play from Blaine Byron and Ben Hutton.
A late penalty caused the problem for Kemptville in this game. Pembroke scored their second power play goal of the game at 16:21 of the period to take a 2-1 lead.
Less than a minute later they added the insurance goal as the 73’s were pressing for the tying goal. Travis Wilkins was outstanding in goal for Kemptville.
On Sunday afternoon, Dec. 18, Kemptville was challenged by the Kanata Stallions. The teams exchanged goals in the first with Mason Nowak getting his sixth of the season from Stevie Ray Adams and Cedric Lacroix.
Kanata scored a late goal to hold a 2-1 lead at the end of the first.
In the second, Lucas Gonu scored his fourth of the season, shorthanded. The goal was set up by Josh Pitt. But in the last minute of the second period, the Stallions capitalised on the power play to regain the lead at 3-2.
Kanata added an insurance goal almost halfway through the third and hung on for the 4-2 win in a hotly contested game.
Over sixty minutes of penalties were handed out in the last thirty seconds of the game.
On Friday night, Dec. 23 the Hawkesbury Hawks will be in North Grenville to tangle with the 73’s. That night is KDMHA Minor Hockey Night. All minor hockey players from the KDMHA will get in free by simply wearing their team jersey.
Also, KDMHA volunteers get in for half price by wearing their team or association apparel.
In other news, the great rate student season pass will be discounted a further to $15 for the remaining 15 games.
Come out and support your community team and catch some great Junior A hockey.
See you at the rink!