photo credit: CCHL/ICELEVEL
Ottawa, ON — While Renfrew was able to decisively win their game, Ottawa and Pembroke waited until the final moments to secure their victories.
Renfrew 4, Kemptville 1
Renfrew defeated Kemptville 4-1 in a game marked by strong special teams and disciplined defense. Renfrew took an early lead in the first period with power-play goals from Lefebvre and Protopapas within 28 seconds, capitalizing on a penalty by Kemptville’s Gilmour. Kemptville’s McDonald responded in the second period with their lone goal, but Renfrew’s defense and goaltender Kurtiak held firm. In the third period, Renfrew sealed the victory with another power-play goal by Streska and an even-strength tally from Lefebvre, who finished with two goals and an assist. Renfrew outshot Kemptville 35-24 and was perfect on the power play (2/2), while Kemptville failed to convert on five opportunities.
Ottawa 2, Brockville 0
Ottawa shut out Brockville 2-0 in a tightly contested game that remained scoreless until the third period. After two periods of even play with no penalties in the first and limited opportunities in the second, Ottawa broke through at 15:16 of the final frame with Pelchat scoring off assists from Demers and St. Michel. Matsukubo sealed the win with an empty-net goal at 19:37. Brockville outshot Ottawa 31-21 but couldn’t solve Paddock, who earned a 31-save shutout. The game ended with a flurry of penalties in the final seconds. Neither team capitalized on their single power-play opportunity.
Pembroke 1, Hawkesbury 0 (OT)
Pembroke secured a hard-fought 1-0 overtime victory against Hawkesbury in a game dominated by strong defensive play and stellar goaltending. Both teams battled through three scoreless periods, with Pembroke’s Modelski stopping all 26 shots he faced and Hawkesbury’s Ruddy making 33 saves to keep the game deadlocked. Despite multiple power-play opportunities on both sides, neither team could capitalize. The breakthrough finally came in overtime when Alegria scored his 26th goal of the season at 4:09, assisted by Barnard and Penna, to secure the win for Pembroke. The Lumber Kings outshot the Hawks 34-26.
