The Smiths Falls Bears tried their best to erase a two-goal deficit, but the Nepean Raiders would not be denied the victory and hung on to win, 4-3.
Nepean made the score 4-2 on a goal by Jody Sullivan at 12:42 in the third period, and Smiths Falls got as close as 4-3 when Kevin Groulx scored 16:13 into the third period.
The Raiders were led by Sullivan, who registered one goal.
Nepean's penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on four Smiths Falls power plays.
Nepean also had goals scored by Kari Belec, Ugo Roik, and Rory Garlasco, who scored one goal each. More assists for Nepean came via Evan Lindquist, Hunter Garlasco, Josh Zizek, Luke McCaw, Matthew OBrien, and Derek Varrin, who each chipped in one.
The Bears excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in three chances. Smiths Falls forced the Raiders goalie Francis Marotte to work between the pipes, taking 34 shots.
The Bears were helped by Nicolas Coates, who had two goals and one assist. Coates scored the first of his two goals at 8:19 into the second period to make the score 1-1. Groulx picked up the assist. Coates' next tally made the score 2-2 with 16:47 left in the third period. Brett Garvey assisted on the tally. Smiths Falls additionally got points from Groulx, who also racked up one goal and one assist. In addition, Smiths Falls received assists from Johnny Curran, who had three.
Marotte rejected 31 shots on goal for Nepean. The Raiders incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors. Smiths Falls' Evan DeBrouwer stopped 18 shots out of the 22 that he faced. The Bears incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors.
