Gunner Rivers had a standout game with 31 saves, and the Hawkesbury Hawks beat the Nepean Raiders 3-1.
Hawkesbury was sparked by Rory Gagnon, who grabbed one goal. Gagnon scored 8:18 into the third period to make the score 2-1 Hawkesbury. Hunter Racine picked up the assist.
The Hawks put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow Nepean to score on any of its four power plays. Hawkesbury kept the Raiders' goalie busy throughout the game, and Francis Marotte made 32 saves on 35 shots.
Others who scored for Hawkesbury included Jason Brochu and CJ Stubbs, who each put in one. More assists for Hawkesbury came via Ross Mandigo, Phil Johansson, and Liam Alcalde, who contributed one each.
Nepean's penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on three Hawkesbury power plays. The Raiders were held below their usual level of production. Nepean averages 3.3 goals per game. The Raiders forced the Hawks goalie Rivers to work between the pipes, taking 32 shots.
Nepean was led by William White, who scored the team's only goal. White scored 6:22 into the second period to make the score 1-1. Kris Johnson provided the assist.
Hawkesbury incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. The Raiders incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors.
