The Kanata Stallions tried to dig themselves out of a three-goal hole, but the Smiths Falls Bears held on for a 3-1 victory.
Smiths Falls took a 3-0 lead during the second period, only to have Kanata storm back on a Bryce Biller goal 11:55 into the third period to pull to two goals down.
The Stallions were stymied by the Bears' netminder Cole Skinner, who stopped 27 shots during the victory. Skinner managed to improve on his goals against average, which stood at 2.52 prior to the game.
Smiths Falls excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in five chances. The Bears forced Kanata goalie Brian Wilson to work between the pipes, taking 38 shots.
Smiths Falls was helped by Josh Leblanc, who had one goal. Leblanc scored 9:06 into the second period to make the score 2-0 Smiths Falls. Michael McKenney assisted on the tally. Smiths Falls also had goals scored by Noah Gurr and Karson McCartney, who each put in one. Other players who recorded assists for Smiths Falls were Ryan Duhaime, Kevin Groulx, Connor Rankin, Taylor Henry, and Neil Doef, who each chipped in one.
The Stallions put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow the Bears to score on any of their three power plays.
In addition, Kanata received assists from Jean-Philippe Langlois and Ian Johnston, who contributed one each.
Smiths Falls ended with 19 minutes in penalty time with seven minors and one major. For the Bears, Daniel Lombardi was ejected from the game. Brian Wilson made 35 saves for Kanata on 38 shots. The Stallions ended with 15 minutes in penalty time with five minors and one major. Kanata ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and James Thomson was ejected from the game.
