The Smiths Falls Bears gutted out a close 6-4 win against the Cumberland Grads.
Neither team gained more than a two-goal lead, and Cole Busschaert's goal in the third period proved to be the difference maker.
Smiths Falls' penalty kill excelled, as the Bears gave up one goal despite allowing 10 power plays.
Smiths Falls was forced to rely heavily on their penalty kill unit throughout the game, as it racked up 20 penalty minutes.
Smiths Falls also got points from Johnny Curran, who also registered one goal and two assists, Matthew Kenney, who also had one goal and two assists to lead the team in points, and Nicolas Coates, who also grabbed one goal and one assist. Others who scored for Smiths Falls included Corey Caruso and Michael McKenney, who scored one goal each. Other players who recorded assists for Smiths Falls were Broydon Stufko, Jared Henry, Chris MacMillan, and Kevin Groulx, who contributed one each.
The Bears were unable to stop Cumberland from sending pucks towards the net, and the Grads eventually piled up 31 shots on goal.
Cumberland was led by Martin Frechette, who tallied two goals and two assists. Frechette scored the first of his two goals at 5:00 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Sam Tremblay assisted on the tally. Frechette's next tally made the score 3-2 Cumberland with 7:13 left in the second period. The Grads had gotten the advantage when Smiths Falls' Curran was sent off for hooking. Shawn Cameron picked up the assist. Cumberland also got a goal from Michael Larose as well. In addition, Cumberland received assists from Alex Cote, who had one.
Evan DeBrouwer made 27 saves for the Bears on 31 shots. Smiths Falls registered one goal on two power play opportunities. Ryan Coughlin rejected 22 shots on goal for Cumberland. The Grads incurred four minutes in penalty time with two minors.
