NOJHL This Week

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Release Date: Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012

NOJHL NOTEBOOK: T-Birds rookie Horodziejczyk impressive early in Jr. A career 

SUDBURY -- With big pads to fill Joel Horodziejczyk is off to an impressive start for the Soo Thunderbirds.

The T-Birds rookie netminder is one of two goalies new to the club this season looking to follow up on the success of John Kleinhans who backstopped Sault Ste. Marie to Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League and Dudley-Hewitt Cup championships last season as well  as top goaltender and most valuable player accolades at the Royal Bank Cup.

Five games into his Jr. A career the 17-year-old Horodziejczyk has yet to taste defeat posting an unblemished 5-0 record.

He tops tops all NOJHL netminders in both goals-against average and save percentage at 1.56 and .390 respectively.

Horodziejczyk’s numbers stack up right across the Canadian Junior Hockey League posting the fourth best average among all the squads that comprise Jr. A hockey in the country.

His unbeaten and untied record also leaves tied for fourth nationally in the most victories department.

CJHL goals-against average leaders. (As of Oct. 10)
Goaltender              Team              League Record AVG.
Shayne Campbell     Truro               MHL      5-0        0.99
Tyler Briggs              West Kelowna BCHL   4-3         1.38
Kale Thomson          Yorkton           SJHL      3-1        1.43
Joel Horodziejczyk Soo                 NOJHL 5-0         1.56
Daniel Mannella        Georgetown    OJHL     5-2-1     1.72
Devin McDonald       Camrose         AJHL      3-1-1     1.85  

CJHL unbeaten/untied win leaders
Goaltender  Team    League Record  
Chad Katunar  Penticton   BCHL  8-0
Michael Fredrick Brooks    AJHL  8-0
Joseph Pianta  Toronto Lakeshore OJHL  6-0
Joel Horodziejczyk Soo    NOJHL  5-0
Devin Buffalo  Flin Flon   SJHL  5-0
Justin McDonald  OCN    MJHL  5-0
Shayne Campbell  Truro    MHL  5-0

WEEK 5: An eight-game week in the NOJHL kicks off this evening with first place implications as Sudbury hosts the North Bay Trappers in a 7:30 p.m. start at McClelland Arena in Copper Cliff.

The Trappers enter the contest trailing the Nickel Barons by two points in the league standings with Sudbury and the Soo Thunderbirds sitting at 16 points apiece with North Bay at 14.

A trio of 7:30 p.m. tilts go Friday with Kirkland Lake hosting Abitibi, Blind River heading to Sault Ste. Marie to meet the Thunderbirds at John Rhodes while North Bay pays a visit to Elliot Lake.

Saturday’s action features Elliot Lake at the Soo, who return to Essar Centre, the Gold Miners on the road to the Eskimos and the Trappers travelling to Blind River.

Weekly action concludes Sunday with another key match-up as the T-Birds welcoming North Bay to Essar Centre for a 3 p.m. matinee.

NOJHL THREE STARS: Sault Ste. Marie and Elliot Lake were among a handful of teams that chalked up key victories in league play last week. It’s no surprise that players from both the Thunderbirds and Bobcats are among those featured in the latest presentation of the NOJHL Three Stars of the Week.

JOSH BORGEN – SOO THUNDERBIRDS: It didn’t take long for newcomer Josh Borgen to make an impression in the NOJHL.

In his first two games with the Thunderbirds last week, the 19 year old native of l’Anse, Mich., racked up seven points, helping lead the Soo to wins over Elliot Lake and Abitibi.

With the team battling for first place in the NOJHL, the defending league champions from Sault Ste. Marie are looking to add even more offensive balance to a lineup that features a solid 1-2 punch in Darcy Casola and Adam Ritchie. Based on the early returns, Borgen fits the bill quite nicely.

ZACH INNES – ABITIBI ESKIMOS: The only non-rookie in the “Stars of the Week”, Zach Innes celebrated his birthday in style.

Turning 19 yesterday, the Moosonee native enjoyed a five-point week as the Eskies salvaged one win of the western three-game road swing.

Currently teamed with linemates Richard Therrien and Peter Poulin-Roy, Innes sits second in Abitibi scoring at the moment, registering eight points in his first nine games as the Eskimos continue to hunt for a winning formula with the winter fast approaching.

DUSTIN CORDEIRO – ELLIOT LAKE BOBCATS: After getting their feet wet with NOJHL action in early September, the Elliot Lake Bobcats are starting to settle in nicely, picking up victories over North Bay and Blind River last week.

Speedy forward Dustin Cordeiro hit the scoresheet in all three games, finishing the week with a pair of goals and an equal number of assists.

Having turned 17 in the spring, the Kitchener native is one of a handful of impressive young building blocks that Ryan Leonard hopes will pay dividends in the second half of the 2012-13 season.

CJHL TOP 20: The latest Canadian Junior Hockey League rankings see two Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League clubs on the list.

Maintaining their place in the top 10 are the Sudbury Nickel Barons who were slotted in the No. 8 slot this week.

Meanwhile the defending NOJHL and Dudley-Hewitt Cup champion Soo Thunderbirds, who are currently tied for top spot in the league standings with Sudbury at 16 points apiece, garnered honourable mention laurels.

The CJHL Top 20 is formulated in conjunction with NHL Central Scouting and is based upon a variety of factors, including the league in which the teams belong to as well as regular season results.

Back at No. 1 for a second consecutive week are the Brooks Bandits of the Alberta Junior Hockey League followed by the defending Royal Bank Cup champion Penticton Vees of the BCHL in second and the SJHL’s Flin Flon Bombers in third.

The following are the CJHL Top 20 as of Oct. 8, 2012, with the league they are members of listed in brackets.

1. Brooks Bandits (AJHL)
2. Penticton Vees (BCHL)
3. Flin Flon Bombers (SJHL)
4. Truro Bearcats (MHL)
5. Bonnyville Pontiacs (AJHL) 
6. OCN Blizzard (MJHL)
7. Trenton Golden Hawks (OJHL)
8. Sudbury Nickel Barons (NOJHL)
9. Winnipeg Blues (MJHL)
10. Minnesota Wilderness (SIJHL)
11. Coquitlam Express (BCHL)
12. Ottawa Jr. Senators (CCHL)
13. Oakville Blades (OJHL)
14. St. Michael’s Buzzers (OJHL)
15. Dryden Ice Dogs (SIJHL)
16. Yarmouth Jr. A Mariners (MHL)
17. Saint Jerome Pantheres (LHJAAAQ)
18. Smiths Falls Bears (CCHL)
19. Georgetown Raiders (OJHL)
20. Yorkton Terriers (SJHL)

Honourable Mention: Soo Thunderbirds (NOJHL), Chilliwack Chiefs (BCHL), Whitecourt Wolverines (AJHL), Portage Terriers (MJHL), Summerside Western Capitals (MHL).

The CJHL is an amalgamation of 10 Junior A hockey leagues from across Canada. More information on the CJHL can be found by clicking on the league website www.cjhlhockey.com.

2013 DUDLEY-HEWITT CUP: The North Bay Trappers will serve as the host team for the 2013 Dudley-Hewitt Cup Central Canada Jr. A championship tournament.

The five-day event will be held at North Bay Memorial Gardens April 30 through May 4. It will feature the Trappers along with the champions of the NOJHL, Ontario Junior Hockey League and Superior International Junior Hockey League taking part.

Should North Bay go on to capture the NOJHL championship, then the league finalist will round out the four-team field with a berth to the Royal Bank Cup national Jr. A championship in Summerside, P.E.I. in May on the line.

TEAM-BY-TEAM NOTEBOOK

ABITIBI ESKIMOS – The Eskimos will look to use the advantage of home ice to make a jump in the NOJHL standings in the next month or so as they are the home team in nine of their next 12 outings… Riding a five-game point streak Richard Therrien has maintained his team scoring lead. 12 of his team-high 13 points have come during his streak as he has moved into sixth overall in league offensive production. … Therrien’s nine tallies are the second most in the NOJHL. … Zach Innes who has a modest two-game point streak on the go in next on the squad with eight points.

BLIND RIVER BEAVERS – A tough test for the Beavers this week as they try and snap a mini two-game winning streak with games vs. Sault Ste. Marie and North Bay. … Paul Muio is averaging a point-per-game so far this season with nine in as many outings and holds the club scoring lead. His totals have him tied for 10th in league scoring … 10 games into the season Blind River sports a 2-7-1 record. …Nine of the squad’s next 13 games will be contested on the road.

ELLIOT LAKE BOBCATS – The first-year Bobcats have won two of their last three games and have moved into fifth spot in the NOJHL standings … Daniel Carter, 20-year-old forward from Burlington, Ont., holds the team scoring lead with eight points. … Dustin Cordeiro has a three-game point streak on the go. … Elliot Lake has allowed the most goals in the league overall so far this season at 53. … When scoring first in a game the Bobcats are 2-0, but 1-7 when the opposition strikes first.

KIRKLAND LAKE GOLD MINERS – A two-game home-and-home set vs. Abitibi is in store for the Gold Miners Friday and Saturday. …Under first-year head coach Marc Lafleur Kirkland Lake sits in fourth place at the 10-game mark in the standings at 5-4-1. … They are 3-1-1 in their past five games. … Connor McNally holds the team lead in offensive production with 10 points and sits ninth in league scoring. … Steven Babin shares 10th spot in the league with nine points. … Both Babin and McNally are tied for third in goals scored with eight each. The club is third in the league for fewest goals allowed at 29. … Chris Komma is third in NOJHL goals-against average at .2.36.

NORTH BAY TRAPPERS – The Trappers will look to get back into the column tonight as they visit Sudbury. … North Bay has allowed the fewest amount of goals in the NOJHL so far at 20. … Goalkeeper Greg Dodds remains reason for the stingy defensive play. The 20-year-old netminder posting a solid 6-1-1-1 record. … Dodds sits second in both goals-against average at 2.02 and save percentage at .929. … Brandon Janke has points in all nine games the Trappers have played so far this season. His 15 points lead the team and also has him fourth in league scoring. Corbin Bean, who has five multiple-point games already this season, is next on the squad and tied for seventh in NOJHL scoring with 12 points.

SOO THUNDERBIRDS – The Thunderbirds look to extend their four-game winning streak with home games against Blind River, Elliot Lake and North Bay. … Their recent success earned them Honourable Mention in the latest CJHL rankings. … The Soo is tied with Sudbury for first place with 16 points. … Rookie netminder Joel Horodziejczyk continues to pace all NOJHL puck stoppers in both goals-against average and save percentage at 1.56 and .930 respectively. … He sits fourth in the entire CJHL in GAA. … Adam Ritchie maintains the team point lead with 16. He is fifth in the league in offensive production. … Darcy Casola has moved in second spot on the squad in points with 14. He is riding a four-game goal and point streak. … The Soo plays their next eight games at home.

SUDBURY NICKEL BARONS – The No. 8 CJHL-ranked Nickel Barons look to get back in the win column tonight vs. North Bay. They have dropped two straight and starting the season 8-0. … Averaging five goals-per-game the Nickel Barons pace the NOJHL in goals scored with 50. … Sudbury features the NOJHL’s top two point producers. 18-year-old forward Darcy Haines leads the way with 24 points, including a league-best 12 goals. He has points in all 10 games to date and has scored in all but two contests. … Sebastien Leroux is second in league scoring with 20 points. He too has recorded points in all nine games he has played to date. … Goaltenders Michael Muzyka and Alex Laino are both 4-1 to start the season. Muzyka is fourth in goals-against average at 2.73 while Laino is fifth at 3.10. …They are also second and sixth respectively in save percentage at .913 and .908. … Sudbury plays their next three games at home.

CCHL This Week

By: Jeff Maguire

Paul Jennings feels his team is coming into its own and in the highly energized atmosphere of the Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL) that is a good thing!

Jennings, the general manager of Gloucester Rangers, has watched his club recover from a slow start to the campaign and move into the thick of the early season race in the intensely competitive Yzerman Division of the CCHL.

Despite a 5-3 loss to the league leading Ottawa Junior Senators on Thanksgiving (Monday) afternoon Rangers are 4-3 in their last seven games and have earned nine of a possible 14 points during that stretch.

A busy early season schedule has seen them play 14 games to date, two more than any other team in the 12-team league.

Despite the holiday setback sixth place Gloucester sits just one point behind defending CCHL champion Nepean Raiders and Cumberland Grads in the Yzerman Division standings. Raiders however have four games in hand and Grads three. So Gloucester will have to continue to play well to be competitive.

Ottawa leads the division with 18 points, Kanata Stallions is second with 15 and Pembroke Lumber Kings are third with 14 points.

Sunday afternoon in Navan, the visiting Rangers defeated Cumberland 5-4 in overtime in an important contest. The winning goal was scored by recently acquired forward Matt Rosebrook with just 18 seconds left in the mandatory five-minute period.

Gloucester overturned a three goal deficit with three unanswered strikes in the third period to force the extra session. Rosebrook then scored his sixth goal in as many games since joining Rangers in a four player swap with league rival Kemptville 73’s in late September.

“I think we have turned the corner,” says Rangers’ GM Jennings whose team finished at the bottom of the league and out of the playoff mix last season.

After a decent post season run in the spring of 2011, last season was a rebuilding year for Gloucester who lost several top-flight, veteran players to graduation following the 2010-2011 campaign.

This season Jennings sees very little rebuilding happening across the CCHL!

“The whole league is really competitive this year. Everybody wants to be in the playoffs,” the veteran junior hockey team owner and GM says.

“You have to show up every night in this league. Everybody can beat anybody on a given night – it’s been happening all season so far. The standings are tight from top to bottom.”

Even though he had to give up two good players in the Sept. 24 trade with Kemptville, the Gloucester manager is pleased with the results to date.

Good additions

Rosebrook, a 19-year-old left winger from Carp has now scored eight goals and 11 points in just seven games for his new club. He triggered a pair of powerplay goals in the third period of this afternoon’s home ice loss to red-hot Ottawa. Gloucester trailed 4-1 heading into the final frame but made a game of it with a strong third period effort.

Rangers’ forward Stevie Ray Vaughan, 19, of Akwasasne, Quebec had one assist in the holiday afternoon clash. He has rung up 10 points including seven assists since the trade from Kemptville to Gloucester.

“It was a good trade for both teams,” Jennings says. “We gave up two guys we liked. Brad (Vaughn) is a veteran defenceman and Brett (Varrin) is an excellent forward. So we gave up a lot.”

Varrin scored 47 points while playing all 62 games for Gloucester last season. Vaughn, a defensive blueliner, returns to 73’s where he began his CCHL career in 2009-2010. He played 102 games for Rangers during two seasons in Orleans.

To date Varrin has contributed four goals and three assists in just five appearances for the improving Kemptville team who play in the Robinson Division.

Jennings however is more than happy with the contributions of Rosebrook and Adams.

“We needed a bit more offence and so far they have provided it.”

As mentioned, Gloucester has played the most games of any team in the league and will have to play well to stay with the pack in the Yzerman.

“The schedule is front loaded for us this season.

“We play at home on Thanksgiving because of the crunch for ice in the city of Ottawa. The holiday is a good day for us and we attract quite a few families to watch our games on Thanksgiving,” Jennings notes.

With the majority of the long (62 game) season remaining, Rangers’ GM is hopeful his team will be one of eight playoff entries when the regular campaign wraps up in March.

“It’s a long season but like everyone else we are aiming for a playoff place.”

Sens hot  

In the Thanksgiving afternoon game at Earl Armstrong Arena the front running Junior Senators won their seventh game in eight starts. Ottawa (9-3) has accumulated 18 points to take the overall points lead in the CCHL, one ahead of Smiths Falls and two up on Carleton Place. Bears and Canadians are 1-2 in the Robinson Division race.

After building a 4-0 lead it appeared Junior Sens would cakewalk against the hometown Rangers. But Gloucester scored three of the last five goals to make a game of it! Rangers held a 30-29 edge in shots but were frustrated by Alexandre Savard-Belanger who made 27 saves for his fourth win against two setbacks.

Left winger Greg Jansz had a goal and two assists for Ottawa who led 1-0 after 20 minutes and jumped out to a four goal advantage by putting three pucks past Gianmarco De Meis in the Gloucester cage in a span of less than five minutes in period two.

Highly rated rookie Hunter Racine opened scoring with his fifth goal while Owen Werthner, Luc Deschamps and Bruno Cheff had the second period tallies for Ottawa.

Andrew Rossy got Rangers on the board with just 21 seconds remaining in the middle period. Rosebrook struck twice in the third for the home team but Jansz powerplay goal at 13:52 was all the insurance Sens would need.

Both teams had a pair of powerplay markers. But Gloucester misfired on seven man advantage chances and that proved costly.

It was another hectic week in the CCHL with 15 games played from Tuesday through Monday afternoon.

Busy Sunday

Ottawa 4 – Hawkesbury 3 (SO): The surprising Junior Senators squeezed past Hawks in a shootout in Hawkesbury Sunday night. It was third shootout win in the past seven games, six of which were Ottawa victories. Despite out shooting struggling Hawkesbury 54-45, Senators needed two third period goals to force overtime. Defenceman Joe Shecter on a powerplay and centre Ryan Collins with his fifth of the season got the visitors back on even terms. Winger Michael Evelyn, on a set-up from Collins, had the other regulation time goal for Ottawa in period two. Hawkesbury led 3-1 after 40 minutes with Yanik Laliberte counting in the first period while Brandon Bussey and Anthony Guaiani fired second period goals. Francis Landers and Carl Faucher each assisted twice for Hawks. In the shootout both teams sent six players to the line. Ottawa outscored Hawkesbury 2-1 to earn the bonus point. A first period tussle saw 11 penalties called including fighting majors and game misconducts to Senators’ Luc Deschamps and Derek Brown and Hawks’ Jesse Turrin and Ross Kovacs.

Kanata 4 – Cornwall 2: Three unanswered goals in the final frame allowed Kanata to overcome an early 2-0 deficit and double the listless Colts who have dropped five of their past seven encounters. Kanata meanwhile has won four of their last seven. Monday they stood second in the tight Yzerman standings. Sunday’s encounter at Ed Lumley Arena in Cornwall was an entertaining one with the teams sticking to hockey. There were just half a dozen minor penalties called, three to each team in a game which took only an hour and 57 minutes to play! The first period was scoreless but in the middle stanza Colts grabbed a 2-0 lead on goals by centre Nicholas Santoro and left winger Alexandre Gendron, his third in as many games. With 1:44 left in the period Stallions’ scoring leader Derian Plouffe made it close with his sixth of the campaign. In the third the visitors took charge. Devin Fullam tied it at the 3:27 mark and just over seven minutes Joe Breslin connected for the game winner. Plouffe’s second of the night went into the empty Cornwall cage with one tick left on the clock. Brandon Lane made 27 saves for the goaltending win while James Edwardson absorbed the loss, his first in three starts.     

Carleton Place 3 – Pembroke 2: Sunday night Canadians earned a split of their home and home series with Lumber Kings although each won on the other’s ice. The victory left Carleton Place (8-4) with 16 points, one fewer than Robinson Division leaders Smiths Falls who were idle Sunday. Pembroke led 2-1 after 20 minutes and the middle stanza was scoreless. The visitors tied it when talented left winger Kevin Dufour triggered his seventh of the season during a powerplay at 12:28 of the third period. Just two minutes, 28 seconds later it was winger Nick Erb firing the game winner, his first of the campaign. Dufour set up the game’s opening score by Brock Edwards early in the opening stanza. Pembroke replied with strikes by veteran Stephen Hrehoriak, his seventh and defenceman Philippe Drouin, his first, just a minute and a half apart to give the home team a temporary advantage. Hard working defenceman Michael Maciag had two assists for Carleton Place. Canadians outshot the home team 34-24 with Tony Kujava evening his record at 1-1 with the goaltending victory. Darren Smith made 31 saves but saw his record fall to 3-3 after six starts.

Kemptville 5 – Brockville 2: The 73’s are in the thick of the Robinson race after a solid home ice win over visiting Brockville Sunday night. Billy Cooper made 25 saves for the goaltending triumph and recent addition Brett Varrin continued his scoring run for Kemptville with two goals. Varrin, a 20-year-old right winger acquired in the four player swap involving Kemptville and Gloucester in late September, has four markers and seven points in five appearances for 73’s. The home team led 3-1 after 20 minutes and after Brockville moved close with the only goal of the middle stanza 73’s took charge, netting the only goals of the final frame. Right winger Kevin Valenti with his first, veteran defenceman Jesse Lussier with his second and winger Zach Lindsay with No. 2 on the campaign had the other goals for the winners. Lussier, Lindsay and Kemptville scoring leader Blaine Byron all had two point games. Braves’ ace Ben Blasko and team captain Chris Roll, during a second period powerplay, replied for Brockville who had a modest three game winning streak snapped. The win moved 73’s within one point of Braves in the Robinson standings.

Gloucester 5 – Cumberland 4 (OT): Two teams who are battling to join the leaders in the highly competitive Yzerman Division faced off in Navan Sunday afternoon. Rangers’ recent acquisition Matt Rosebrook connected for his sixth goal in as many games with just 18 seconds left in OT to give visiting Gloucester (5-7-0-1) the bonus point in a hard fought, comeback triumph. Rosebrook also set up a pair of markers while Stevie Ray Adams, who was also dealt to Rangers from Kemptville in the four player trade, scored his third goal and set up another. Adams moved to nine points since his arrival in Orleans in late September, the same total as Rosebrook. Grads (4-3-3-1) led 1-0 after 20 minutes and then outscored the visitors 3-1 in the second. They appeared to be headed for an important win. Gloucester turned the tables with three third period strikes including centre Christian Leger’s powerplay tally with 4:37 left in regulation that forced OT. Centres Keegan Rowe in the second period and Patrick White, early in period two, each connected for their third goals of the campaign for the winners. Veteran forward Eric Clitsome struck twice for Cumberland while Nick Martin and Travis Douglas had second period markers. Grads out shot Rangers 39-31 but were held at bay by Gunner Rivers who made 35 saves for his third win in seven decisions. The result left Gloucester just a point behind Cumberland and Nepean in the division. But Raiders held a big three games in hand and Cumberland two.   

Friday games

Smiths Falls 4 – Kemptville 3: A genuine hat trick in the third period by centre Chris Maniccia gave the first place Bears a deserved win over 73’s Friday in front of nearly 600 fans at Smiths Falls Memorial Centre. Maniccia triggered twice in 11 seconds in the last minute of regulation time. The tying goal came on a powerplay while Kemptville was a man short due to a minor penalty. The winner was an even strength strike with 37 seconds remaining.  Bears’ big line of Maniccia and wingers Michael Buonincontri and Yannick Crete continues to light it up! The trio combined for nine points with Buonincontri netting his team’s opening goal late in the second period after Kemptville had taken an improbable 3-0 lead. Veteran goalie Dylan BrindAmour made 41 saves to keep 73’s in the contest. Bears out chanced their opponents 45-24 including a 17-6 margin in the second period. The end result saw Buonincontri and Maniccia tied atop the CCHL scoring chart with 23 points apiece while Crete was deadlocked with Gloucester sniper Alexandre Boivin for second with 18 each. Stephen Cooney and Blaine Byron gave the visitors a 2-0 first period advantage with Luca Gonu making it 3-0 in the middle stanza. Byron also assisted twice for a three-point night. Bears topped the overall standings by three points at the end of play Friday!

Pembroke 4 – Carleton Place 2: Lumber Kings prevented Canadians from keeping pace with Robinson Division leading Smiths Falls, doubling the second place side in front of more than 350 Carleton Place faithful Friday. Pembroke went into the contest on a three game losing skid. It might have gone to four had it not been for the work of Kings’ net minder Darren Smith! He made 33 stops as Canadians held a 35-25 shots advantage. Smith was especially hot in the final frame when the hosts out shot Pembroke 13-8. It was Lumber Kings who scored the only goals of the final frame with veteran Stephen Hrehoriak firing the winner at 1:16. Less than six minutes later left winger Ryan Hunter scored his first of the campaign to give the visitors some insurance. Owen McDade and Ryan Erickson gave Kings an early 2-0 lead before Canadians’ centre Evan Peterson connected on a powerplay with 1:33 left in the first. The home team tied it during another man advantage situation with defenceman Larry Smith depositing his first of the season behind his Pembroke namesake. Carleton Place’s Tony Kujava started his first game in goal after finally shaking off a pre-season thigh injury. He made 21 stops in a losing cause.

Hawkesbury 2 – Nepean 1 (SO): The low flying Hawks surprised defending champions Nepean, recording just their third win of the campaign in the process. It was the second consecutive Friday night added time win for Hawkesbury on home ice and by the identical score. Raiders (5-3-0-1) remained fourth in the Yzerman standings while Hawks continued to trail the league despite the victory. It was a very evenly played game with Nepean holding a 45-44 shots advantage. Both regulation time goals came during powerplays. Veteran forward Brent Norris gave the visitors an early advantage in the first period with Shane Topf tying it late in the second. The third period and overtime were scoreless. In the shootout phase Hawks sent two players to the line with Stefano Momesso connecting. All three Nepean shooters came up empty. Winning goalie Carmine Guerriero and Nepean’s Matt Zawadzki were both kept busy. Raiders were an inefficient 1-7 on the powerplay.

Brockville 3 – Ottawa 2: Junior Senators five game winning streak was halted in Brockville Friday night. The contest appeared headed to overtime until Braves’ ace David Ferreira connected for his team leading sixth goal with only 48 seconds left. Ferreira’s dramatic winner came while Ottawa blueliner Owen Werthner was sitting out a hooking penalty. Brockville scoring leader Ben Blasko had a second period powerplay marker, on a set-up from Ferreira, while defenceman Zach Todd’s third of the campaign early in the second gave the home side a short-lived advantage. Todd also set up his team’s other two tallies to earn first star honours. Ryan Collins tied it for the visitors just past the midway mark of the third. Veteran Dylan Giberson scored the only goal of the first period for Ottawa who were out gunned 36-24 on the night. The win improved Brockville’s record to 5-4-0-1, good for fourth in the Robinson Division. Sens stayed first in the Yzerman despite falling to 7-3.

Gloucester 6 – Cornwall 3: Rangers moved closer to escaping the Yzerman Division cellar, surprising Colts at Earl Armstrong Arena in Orleans Friday. High scoring defenceman Andrew Rossy rang up a hat trick with all three markers coming during powerplay opportunities. The 18-year-old from Mont-Royal, Quebec moved to five goals and nine points in 10 appearances and was a deserving first star! Former Kemptville forward Matt Rosebrook has made a huge contribution in only five games since joining Rangers in a late September trade. The Carp native scored twice giving him five goals and six points for his new club. The teams were deadlocked 1-1 after 20 minutes but four second period tallies proved to be the difference for Gloucester (4-7-0-1). Rangers outshot Cornwall 45-31 with Colton Keuhl the other goal-getter. Cornwall (6-5) got a goal in each period with Khalid Alli, Sean King and Kevin Hope the scorers. Colts’ team leader Roman Ammirato set up a pair giving him 17 points including 13 assists in 11 games. He was tied for fifth on the league chart following Friday’s action.  

Earlier last week

Cornwall 3 – Cumberland 2 (OT): Right winger Michael Pontarelli fired the winner at 1:41 of overtime as Colts sent Grads to their second defeat in as many nights Thursday at Ed Lumley Arena in Cornwall. New recruit Pontarelli, an 18-year-old from Laval, Quebec connected during a powerplay opportunity. He also assisted on Colts’ regulation time markers which were both netted by line mate Alexandre Gendron. The other member of the trio, centre Roman Ammirato, took his team leading points total to 15 with a pair of assists. Cumberland was aided by a tremendous goaltending effort from rookie Reilly Turner. He kicked out 60 shots as Cornwall out chanced the visitors by a huge 63-40 margin. Grads led 2-1 going into the third period on the strength of a first period powerplay tally by Mark Golberg and second period strike by team scoring leader Nick Martin, his 10th of the campaign. Gendron’s second early in the third set up OT. Turner’s net minding work earned him third star honours.

Ottawa 3 – Gloucester 1: Crosstown rivals clashed at Jim Durrell Recreation Complex Wednesday and it was the surging Senators who scored two late goals to come away with their fifth consecutive triumph. In the process they regained top spot in the Yzerman Division. It was a well-played contest with Junior Sens out chancing Rangers 31-27. There were just eight minor penalties called in a fast paced contest which took just two hours, five minutes to play. Gloucester however failed to take advantage of six powerplay chances and that definitely hurt! Ottawa rookie left winger Greg Jansz had a big night. The 19-year-old from Bedford, Nova Scotia scored twice and he set up the insurance marker by Hunter Racine. Jansz’s game winner and Racine’s tally came just 18 seconds apart late in the third period. Team captain Alexandre Boivin was the only visitor to beat winning goalie Charlie Millen. Boivin’s second period tally moved him to 15 points including 10 assists, the fourth best total in the league.

Nepean 5 – Cumberland 4: The defending champion Raiders, who came out of the gate slowly this season, leapfrogged Grads in the Yzerman standings by winning their head-to-head meeting at Nepean Sportsplex Wednesday. The victory improved Raiders’ record to 5-3-0-1 while Cumberland dipped to 4-3-1-1. Third year player Keenan Hodgson fired his second goal of the campaign during a powerplay early in the third. His was the game winner! Brandon Watt’s empty netter with 11 seconds left in regulation wrapped up the two points for Nepean who also got single goals from Dalen Hedges, Vincent Llorca and Kenneth Neil. The teams were tied 1-1 after 20 minutes and Nepean led 3-2 heading into the final stanza. Grads’ sniper Nick Martin netted twice giving him nine goals and 13 points in just eight appearances. Rookie winger Travis Douglas made it close with his second of the season at 6:19 of the third. Veteran forward Zach Rodier set up two Cumberland goals. Winning goalie Matt Zawadzki evened his record at 4-4.     

Kanata 4 – Smiths Falls 3 (SO): The teams who battled to the wire for the final CCHL playoff spot last season went head-to-head Tuesday. Bears, who grabbed the eighth and final post season place ahead of Stallions in March, dropped their second game this season against Kanata. This one was decided in a shootout! Both teams have started the new campaign brightly and are challenging for the lead in their respective divisions. The single point awarded to Smiths Falls for reaching overtime, temporarily moved them atop the Robinson standings, one point ahead of near neighbours and arch rivals Carleton Place. Bears can thank league scoring leader Michael Buonincontri for the point! He netted twice, giving him 11 goals in as many games. His second came with 7:39 left in regulation and was enough to get the visitors into OT. The five minute period was scoreless and it was the home team who capitalized with the only goal of the shootout to earn their 13th point in 11 outings. Brandon Petrie triggered a pair of goals early in the third to give Kanata a 3-2 advantage. He also helped set up Derian Plouffe’s second period powerplay score. Connor McLaren had the only first period tally for Smiths Falls who were outshot 38-36 on the night. Petrie and Buonincontri were 1-2 in the three star balloting while Plouffe, who also assisted twice, was the third pick.

Following the Thanksgiving Day clash the CCHL schedule features 16 games from tomorrow (Tuesday) through Sunday!

Jeff Maguire is a career journalist based in Carleton Place. He has covered junior hockey in Ontario for 41 years. Jeff’s report will appear on the CCHL website every Monday throughout the season. He can be reached by e-mail at: jeffrey.maguire@rogers.com

NOJHL This Week

NOJHL COMMUNICATIONS

MEDIA RELEASE

Release Date: Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012
NOJHL NOTEBOOK: Sudbury hosts the Soo tonight to highlight week 4 action 

SUDBURY -- An eight-game week in the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League gets underway this evening and features a highly-anticipated contest.

McClelland Arena in Copper Cliff will be the site tonight as the league-leading Sudbury Nickel Barons put their unbeaten record on the line as they host the defending NOJHL and Dudley-Hewitt Cup champion Soo Thunderbirds at 7:30 p.m.

Sudbury enters the game winners of eight straight to begin the season while the T-Birds come in at 4-1-1-1 in what will be the first meeting of the season between the two sides.

From there league play will resume Friday with two tilts as North Bay welcomes Kirkland Lake to the Memorials Gardens at 7 p.m. while Elliot Lake entertains Abitibi at Centennial Arena at 7:30 p.m.

A trio of encounters are on the docket Saturday including Abitibi continuing their weekend road trip as they pay a visit to Blind River to take on the Beavers in a 7:30 p.m. start at the Community Centre.

Saturday’s other two games have the Soo in Elliot Lake and Sudbury travelling to Kirkland Lake in a pair of 7:30 p.m. face-offs.

Rounding out week 4 in the NOJHL will be two Sunday match-ups.

The Bobcats and Trappers square-off in North Bay in 2 p.m. matinee while the Eskimos wrap-up their three-game road swing in Sault Ste. Marie as they take on the Thunderbirds at Essar Centre. Puck drop in that one is set for 3 p.m.

GAME NOTES: Entering play this week Sudbury leads the NOJHL in goals scored with 47 while North Bay has allowed the fewest at 16.

The opening month of the season showed plenty of parity in the league when it came to playing either home or away.

Of the 26 games played in September the home team narrowly had an overall winning record.

Home sides produced 13 victories while losing 12 and had one draw.

CJHL TOP 20: Another impressive week for the NOJHL saw two member clubs to crack the latest Canadian Junior Hockey League Top 20 rankings.

The unbeaten Sudbury Nickel Barons jumped four spots from the initial rankings to fifth overall in the listings while the North Bay Trappers moved up from Honourable Mention a week ago to 12th.

This marks the first time in just over a year that two NOJHL clubs garnered Top 20 recognition.

Back in the Oct. 3, 2011 listings the Soo Eagles were tabbed ninth while the Soo Thunderbirds came in at No. 16.

The CJHL rankings, comprised in conjunction with NHL Central Scouting, are based upon a variety of factors, which includes the league in which the teams belong to and this season’s results in regular season.

CJHL Weekly Top 20 as of Monday, Oct. 1 (Last week's ranking in brackets)

1. (2) Brooks Bandits (AJHL)
2. (1) Penticton Vees (BCHL)
3. (15) Winnipeg Blues (MJHL)
4. (10) Flin Flon Bombers (SJHL)
5. (9) Sudbury Nickel Barons (NOJHL)
6. (13) Dryden Ice Dogs (SIJHL)
7. (17) Truro Bearcats (MHL)
8. (12) Bonnyville Pontiacs (AJHL)
9. (HM) OCN Blizzard (MJHL)
10. (11) Coquitlam Express (BCHL)
11. (NR) Minnesota Wilderness (SIJHL)
12. (HM) North Bay Trappers (NOJHL)
13. (NR) Ottawa Jr. Senators (CCHL)
14. (5) Newmarket Hurricanes (OJHL)
15. (20) Oakville Blades (OJHL)
16. (19) Carlton Place Canadians (CCHL)
17. (16) Saint Jerome Pantheres (LHJAAAQ)
18. (3) Yarmouth Jr. A Mariners (MHL)
19. (NR) Georgetown Raiders (OJHL)
20. (NR) Sherwood Park Crusaders (AJHL)

Honourable Mention: Merritt Centennials (BCHL), Drayton Valley Thunder (AJHL), Buffalo Jr. Sabres (OJHL), Granby Inouk (LHJAAAQ), Summerside Western Capitals (MHL).

The CJHL is an amalgamation of 10 Junior A hockey leagues from across Canada. More information on the CJHL can be found by clicking on the league website www.cjhlhockey.com.

2013 DUDLEY-HEWITT CUP: The North Bay Trappers will serve as the host team for the 2013 Dudley-Hewitt Cup Central Canada Jr. A championship tournament.

The five-day event will be held at North Bay Memorial Gardens April 30 through May 4. It will feature the Trappers along with the champions of the NOJHL, Ontario Junior Hockey League and Superior International Junior Hockey League taking part.

Should North Bay go on to capture the NOJHL championship, then the league finalist will round out the four-team field with a berth to the Royal Bank Cup national Jr. A championship in Summerside, P.E.I. in May on the line.

NOJHL THREE STARS: Less than a month into the 2012-13 NOJHL season and some familiar names are appearing with great regularity on scoresheets across the north.

The league’s leading scorer makes his second appearance of the season as the “NOJHL Three Stars of the Week” for the period ending on Sept. 30, which were announced by the selection committee.

CHRIS KOMMA – KIRKLAND LAKE GOLD MINERS: After struggling to hit the win column on a consistent basis last year in Kirkland Lake, the 2012-13 version of the team is proving to be a threat, night in and night out.

A big part of the reason for that has been the play of 20-year-old netminder Chris Komma. The native of Boise, Idaho turned aside 81 of the 84 shots he faced in a pair of games last week, leading the Gold Miners to victories over both Elliot Lake and Blind River.

Moving to Northern Ontario after suiting up with the Boulder Jr. Bison last year, Komma is among the league leaders in both goals-against average (2.15) and save percentage (.918) in the early going.

DARCY HAINES – SUDBURY NICKEL BARONS: Another league leader, right from the drop of the puck on opening night in Copper Cliff, has been Valley East native Darcy Haines. A late round OHL pick a few years back, Haines has been making amends so far this season, stretching his lead atop the scoring race with a nine-point week.

Somewhat lost in the shuffle of a high-octane Sudbury offense one year ago, Haines is leading the pack this time around, recording 21 points in just eight games, including a four-point performance last Wednesday against Elliot Lake.

BRANDON JANKE – NORTH BAY TRAPPERS: One of a handful of key returnees on the Trappers roster this year, North Bay sniper Brandon Janke is developing quite the knack of scoring key goals.

Last Friday, Janke scored twice in the final 3:09 of the game, including a game-tying penalty shot tally in the last minute of play, earning the Trappers a point against Sudbury.

The very next night in Iroquois Falls, the 19-year-old Huntsville native was at it again, drilling the game-winner 31 seconds into the second overtime session as North Bay edged Abitibi 2-1.

UNDEFEATED: Looking across the Canadian Junior Hockey League landscape there are only a total of six clubs among the 10 leagues that comprise the CJHL that enter play this week being undefeated in either regulation, overtime or a shootout.

Leading that group are the NOJHL’s Sudbury Nickel Barons who presently sit unbeaten at 8-0.

Right behind them are the Brooks Bandits of the Alberta Jr. Hockey League at 7-0.

Both the Manitoba Jr. Hockey League’s Winnipeg Blues and the Maritime Hockey League’s Truro Bearcats come in a 5-0 while the Flin Flon Bombers of the Saskatchewan Jr. Hockey League and the Dryden Ice Dogs of the Superior International Jr. Hockey League have 4-0 records to start the season.

CJHL’s Undefeated teams (As of Oct. 3/12) 

TEAM                               LEAGUE RECORD
Sudbury Nickel Barons NOJHL  8-0
Brooks Bandits                 AJHL  7-0
Winnipeg Blues                MJHL  5-0
Truro Bearcats                 MHL  5-0
Dryden Ice Dogs              SIJHL  4-0
Flin Flon Bombers            SJHL  4-0

TEAM-BY-TEAM NOTEBOOK

ABITIBI ESKIMOS – The Eskimos hit the road for three games in three nights this weekend with stops in Elliot Lake, Blind River and North Bay. … Richard Therrien continues to pace the club offensively with seven points. … 
Five other skaters on the club are tied for second in team scoring with three points apiece. … Abitibi enters the week sixth in the NOJHL standings at 1-4-0-1. … The Eskimos have scored the fewest goals of any team in the league at 12.

BLIND RIVER BEAVERS – Tyler Brown and Paul Muio share the team point lead with eight each. That leaves the pair tied for eighth in league offensive production. … The Beavers are sitting tied for second in the NOJHL in goals scored with 31. Their 42 against however are the second most allowed in the league to date. … Blind River’s lone game this week is at home Saturday vs. Abitibi. … Six of the club’s next 10 games will be played on the road.

ELLIOT LAKE BOBCATS – The first-year Bobcats go in search of their second win in franchise history as they host Abitibi Friday. The Bobcats play three of their next four at home on Centennial Arena ice. … Daniel Carter and Nicholas Tassone share the team scoring lead with five points apiece. Carter had a four-game point streak snapped in the club’s last outing, a 4-1 loss to Kirkland Lake on Sept. 28. … Slow starts have hampered the squad early on having given up 23 first period goals compared to just six tallies for. … Elliot Lake has allowed the most goals in the league overall so far this season at 44. … When scoring first in a game the Bobcats are 1-0, but 0-6 when the opposition strikes first.

KIRKLAND LAKE GOLD MINERS – Connor McNally and Steven Babin sit one-two on the Gold Miners in offensive production to date with nine and eight points respectively. McNally is also second in the NOJHL in goals scored with eight while Babin is right behind him with seven. They both have markers in three straight outings. … The club shares second in the league for fewest goals allowed with 22. … Chris Komma sits seconds in the league in goals-against average at 2.15 and fourth in save percentage at .918.

NORTH BAY TRAPPERS – Ranked 12th in the entire CJHL, North Bay has home games Friday and Sunday vs. Kirkland Lake and Elliot Lake respectively before playing five in succession on the road. … North Bay has allowed the fewest amount of goals in the NOJHL so far at 16. … Goalkeeper Greg Dodds is a big reason for that as the 20-year-old netminder has played every game for the Trappers so far while posting a solid 5-1-1-1 record. … Dodds is third in both goals-against average at 2.16 and save percentage at .923. … Brandon Janke is riding a seven-game point streak to start the season and leads the team offensively with 12 points, including five goals. He sits tied for third in NOJHL scoring… Corbin Bean is next on the squad with 10 points. He has a modest three-game point streak on the go.

SOO THUNDERBIRDS – Rookie netminder Joel Horodziejczyk continues to pace all NOJHL puck stoppers in both goals-against average and save percentage at 1.22 and .941 respectively. … Adam Ritchie maintains the team point lead with 11. He is fifth in the league in offensive production. … A trio of T-Birds in Darcy Casola, Anthony Miller and Greg Sartoretto are next on the club with seven points each. … After games this week in Sudbury and Elliot Lake, Sault Ste. Marie will play nine straight at home with their next road encounter scheduled for Nov. 16 at Kirkland Lake.

SUDBURY NICKEL BARONS – The No. 5 CJHL-ranked Nickel Barons look for win number nine in a row as they host the Soo Thunderbirds tonight. They are only one of six teams across the entire Canadian Junior Hockey League who are still unbeaten … Averaging 5.88 goals-per-game the Nickel Barons pace the NOJHL and in goals scored with 47. … They have only allowed 22 against as well, which ties them for the second fewest allowed. … Offensively Sudbury continues to boast three of the NOJHL’s top four point producers early on. 18-year-old forward Darcy Haines leads the way with 21 points, including a league-best 11 goals. He has points in all eight games to date and has scored in all but one contest … Sebastien Leroux is second league scoring with 17 points. He too has recorded points in every game so far this season. … August Jarecki is knotted for third in the NOJHL with 12 points. Goaltenders Michael Muzyka and Alex Laino are both 4-0 to start the season. Muzyka is fourth in goals-against average at 2.42 while Laino is fifth at 2.89. …They are also second and fifth respectively in save percentage at .927 and .912. … Sudbury plays four of their next five at home.

CCHL This Week

By: Jeff Maguire

Teams who are not usually among the leaders in the Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL) are impressing early in the 2012-2013 campaign.

Chief among the surprises is Ottawa Junior Senators. They had to work hard to reach the playoffs last spring and then fell in five games in the quarter finals to CCHL finalist Cornwall Colts.

With 13 newcomers in the line-up Junior Sens weren’t among the favourites in the 12 team Tier 1 Junior A league when the new campaign began in early September.

After nearly a month of play however they top the Yzerman Division standings and last week they won all three games played against tough opponents.

Their efforts have not gone unnoticed!

Monday morning the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL), which governs 10 Junior A loops from coast to coast including the CCHL, announced its weekly Top 20 rankings. Ottawa now sits 13th, the best standing of any club in the Eastern Ontario based league. The only other CCHL team to make the Top 20 is Carleton Place Canadians (7-3) who lead the Robinson Division. Carleton Place moved up to 16th from 19th on the CJHL weekly list.

Leading all Canadian Junior A teams in the rankings this week is Brooks (Alberta) Bandits of the Alberta Junior Hockey League. Penticton Vees of the British Columbia Junior Hockey League are second while Winnipeg Blues of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League round out the top three.

Junior Senators head coach and general manager Rick Dorval is understandably pleased with his team’s performance to date.

“We went into the week hoping to perform well. But three wins over Pembroke, Carleton Place and Nepean shows this team has character,” Dorval said Monday morning.

“Going into the year, on paper, we thought we would be competitive.

“Now the expectations are higher. We’re going to attempt to raise the bar every week in an effort to reach team and individual expectations,” the coach states.

“This morning we’re ranked 13th nationally, the highest ranking of any team in the league. So obviously I’m pleased,” Dorval adds.

“With 13 new faces there was a natural period of adjustment involved.

“But the kids are getting to know each other and the team is starting to gel. It’s still early and we will take it a step at a time,” Dorval observes.

Also last week Smiths Falls Bears, who just snuck into the playoffs last season and were swept by eventual champions Nepean in the first round, also continued to impress. Led by Michael Buonincontri, the CCHL scoring leader, Bears won two of three contests to remain tied with Robinson rival Carleton Place. Buonincontri had a hat trick in Bears’ 6-5 road win over Pembroke Lumber Kings Sunday night. He now has nine goals and nine assists in 10 games. Teammate Chris Maniccia also has 18 points including 12 helpers.

Carleton Place, who split their games last week, is being led by centre Luke Edwards who is third in the league scoring race with 15 points from 10 contests.

Another early season surprise is the good form shown by Cumberland Grads recently. They failed to make the playoffs last season and stumbled out of the gate in September recording one win in five games. Thanks partly to the work of goalie Devan Tremblay, Cumberland has now won three in a row including back-to-back weekend triumphs. They sit fourth in the Yzerman Division with 10 points, one ahead of defending champions Nepean.

Perhaps the biggest disappointment to date in the league has been the poor form of Hawkesbury Hawks. Despite an overtime win over Pembroke at home Friday, Hawks continue to trail the league standings. But they have shown signs of life! Sunday they were stonewalled by Tremblay in Cumberland and lost despite controlling the game territorially.

Last season, after missing the playoffs for three years in a row, Hawkesbury finished fifth overall and then swept Carleton Place, the fourth place side, to reach the CCHL semi- finals.

It was another very busy week in the CCHL with some very entertaining and competitive contests played.

WEEKLY SUMMARIES

Ottawa 7 – Nepean 6 (SO): Sunday afternoon the suddenly rampant Senators recorded their second win in as many days to move atop the Yzerman Division standings. The home standing Raider made a late charge in regulation time, scoring three times in the final 10 minutes of action to knot the high scoring contest at six apiece and force overtime. It took a shootout to decide it! Ottawa connected on two of five tries during the shootout phase to improve their record to an impressive 6-2. The first period was scoreless but the final 40 minutes featured a major offensive display. Junior Sens scored four straight in the middle stanza to lead 4-1. Nepean closed the gap with a pair of strikes early in period three. Ottawa then grabbed a 6-3 advantage before Raiders’ left winger Steven Johnston connected twice in six minutes to close the gap. Then, with 2:56 left on the clock, Vincent Llorca tied it to send the contest to OT. Nothing was decided in five additional minutes opening the door to the free shots and an Ottawa triumph! Left winger Dylan Giberson led Sens’ charge with two goals while centre Eric Witzel set up three. Johnston had a hat trick for Raiders, his first goals of the campaign. Jesse Ferras netted once and set up another for Nepean who fell to fifth place in their division.

Smiths Falls 6 – Pembroke 5: The hard charging Bears moved into a tie atop the Robinson standings doubling Lumber Kings and sending Pembroke to their third loss of the week, although one of those came in overtime. With the triumph Smiths Falls shares the CCHL points lead with arch rival Carleton Place. Both clubs are 7-3 in the early going. It was a frustrating afternoon in the Rideau Canal town for the visiting Kings! They outshot Bears by a wide 43-28 margin but were stymied by the net minding work of Patrick Martin who made 38 stops. The veteran puck stopper had been between the pipes for six of Bears’ seven victories so far. Inexplicably he failed to make the three star selection at the end of the contest! Topping that short list was left winger Michael Buonincontri the CCHL scoring leader to date with 18 points. The 18-year-old Montreal native fired a hat trick and set up another. His third of the night at 11:55 of the third period was the game winner. Forward Yannick Crete scored once and assisted twice giving him 14 points. For the hard luck Lumber Kings Ben Dalpe had two goals and two assists, Jordan Larson scored once and set up three while Stephen Hrehoriak triggered his fifth and helped out on a pair.

Kemptville 5 – Gloucester 4 (SO): The improving 73’s earned their third point in as many games with a shootout victory over Rangers at home Sunday night. Two of their past three contests have been decided in the shootout phase! Forward Matt Rosebrook, who was traded to Gloucester by Kemptville as part of a four-player swap Sept. 24, nearly came back to haunt his former club. Rosebrook connected for a hat trick to pace Rangers’ offence. It was the first meeting of the clubs since the trade (the first of the campaign in fact) and left winger Brett Varrin, who went the other way in the player swap, was also hot with two goals and an assist for Kemptville. Christian Leger tied it for Gloucester with 10:31 left in the game, forcing what turned out to be a scoreless overtime. Three shooters went to the line for each team in the shootout with 73’s Blaine Byron the only successful candidate. He also had two assists in regulation when the points counted. Kemptville led the shots parade 42-33. Dylan BrindAmour made 29 saves for the goaltending triumph.

Brockville 7 – Kanata 5: Braves left it late but they scored two late markers Sunday to record their second win of the weekend on home ice. Stallions dropped both of their weekend encounters. As a result Brockville stayed fourth in the Robinson while Kanata remains in third spot in the Yzerman loop. Centre David Ferreira’s fifth of the campaign with 1:58 left broke a 5-5 deadlock and propelled Braves to the win in an entertaining, evenly played match. Brockville scoring leader Ben Blasko wrapped it up with an empty netter, his fourth. Chris Roll completed a big weekend for the winners with two goals and two assists giving him seven points in two outings. Braves appeared as if they would run away with it early leading 4-0 after one. Kanata replied with the only three goals of the second stanza. Nathan Todd made it 5-3 Brockville only to have Braeden Moffatt and Joe Breslin scored six minutes apart to tie things up. Devin Fullam unleashed two goals and assisted on another in a losing cause for Kanata.

Cumberland 5 – Hawkesbury 3: Make it three wins in a row for the suddenly hot Grads who started the season with just one victory in five appearances. This time the two points came courtesy of Hawkesbury who continue to trail the overall standings with just two wins in eight games. In actual fact it was Cumberland net minder Devan Tremblay who once again rescued his club with an incredible 42 save performance. He evidently doesn’t impress the three star selectors though! For the second straight game he failed to make the post-game list, this time at home. At the other end the usually steady Carmine Guerriero was lifted after 35 minutes. He yielded all five Grads’ markers before getting the heave-ho late in the second period. The frustrated Hawks held an impressive 45-29 shots advantage but couldn’t put enough rubber past Tremblay. Dependable Nick Martin scored twice giving him seven on the season for Cumberland while forward Matthew Moran also triggered twice, his first goals of the year. Veteran Brandon Bussey netted once and set up two for struggling Hawkesbury.

Ottawa 4 – Carleton Place 1: Junior Senators continue to play competitive hockey early in the campaign. They sent league leaders Carleton Place to just their third loss in 10 games Saturday, sending 400 Canadians’ fans home disappointed. It was an evenly played game but Ottawa goalie Charlie Millen, who had a brief stop in Carleton Place two seasons ago, outdueled Canadians’ net minder Justin Laforest stopping 21 of the 22 shots directed his way. Millen’s shutout bid was ruined by Canadians’ forward Brandon Seatter with just one second left in the game. Ottawa (5-2) won despite going one for seven on the powerplay. Hunter Racine during a first period man advantage situation, Eric Witzel, Justin Charbonneau and Steven Inman connected for Sens who led 1-0 and 3-0 at the intervals.

Hawkesbury 2 – Pembroke 1 (OT): There were five games played on a busy Friday night in the CCHL. Hawkesbury improved their lot with an overtime win over visiting Pembroke. The game marked the return of former Hawks’ star Stephen Hrehoriak to Robert Hartley Arena. He netted the game’s opening goal late in the second period. But Antonios Roumeliotis struck with just 3:55 left in regulation to tie it and force the extra period. With only 29 seconds remaining in overtime Roumeliotis set up teammate Pietro Antonelli for the game winner as Hawks improved to 2-4-1-0. The loss was the third in four outings for Pembroke who outshot the home team 32-27. A good Hawkesbury crowd of 368 took in the action.

Brockville 5 – Kemptville 2: Two teams who have struggled early this season met in the Seaway City Friday night. Braves leapfrogged 73’s in the Robinson Division standings, ringing up their third win in eight outings. The teams were tied in shots with 33 and each netted twice on the powerplay. But Matthew Jenkins made 31 saves to record his third win in five starts. Kemptville starter Billy Cooper allowed three goals on 16 shots before being relieved by veteran puck stopper Dylan BrindAmour early in period two. Rookie centre Griffen Molino took his goal count to four and eight games by striking twice. His second was into the empty Kemptville goal with 1:09 remaining. Hayden Hulton had a goal and one assist for the winners while Brockville scoring leader Ben Blasko set up two as did team captain Chris Roll. Braves Ryan Walter and Kemptville’s Ben St. Marseille were ejected for fighting at 11:22 of the third, making them ineligible for their team’s next game.

Gloucester 5 – Nepean 3: The defending champion Raiders were surprised by the Rangers in Orleans Friday and saw their record dip to 4-3 in the Yzerman Division standings. Gloucester (3-6) was led by newly acquired winger Stevie Ray Adams who scored twice. Adams was acquired by Rangers from Kemptville Sept. 24 in a four player deal. The rejuvenated Gloucester side outgunned Nepean 35-26. They led 3-0 after 20 minutes only to see Raiders strike back with two unanswered in the second and then add a tying goal at 5:11 of period three. Markers by Christian Leger and Keegan Rowe, four minutes apart, secured two important points for the home team. Alexandre Boivin improved his team leading scoring stats to four goals and 10 assists with a first period marker and three big assists. He earned first star honours. Veteran forward Kenneth Neil set up three for Raiders.

Cornwall 4 – Smiths Falls 3: The visiting Colts held off a late game comeback bid by Bears to win for the fifth time in nine outings in front of more than 600 Smiths Falls’ fans. Bears out shot Cornwall 29-24 but it was Colts who enjoyed intermission leads of 2-0 and 3-1. Michael Pontarelli unleashed two goals and assisted twice while Cornwall scoring leader Roman Ammirato also connected for a pair. Brandon Howes was a two assist man. Jeffrey Carroll and Connor McLaren each had a goal and an assist for Smiths Falls (6-3) who remained two points back of Carleton Place in the Robinson standings. Bears were a depressing 0-10 on the powerplay as Cornwall was assessed 13 of the game’s 21 infractions.

Cumberland 5 – Kanata 3: In an Yzerman Division contest in Kanata Friday night the second place Stallions were tripped up by the improving Grads. Cumberland moved to 3-2-1-1 which temporarily brought them level with Nepean in the standings. Grads’ goalie Devan Tremblay was a major factor in the game, even though he didn’t make the three star selection. Tremblay kicked out 36 shots as Kanata held a 39-28 advantage in scoring chances. The win was his fourth of the campaign against two setbacks. Centre Mark Goldberg led the offence with two goals and an assist giving him an even 10 points in eight appearances. Right winger Nick Martin chipped in with a goal and two assists for the winners. The clubs were level at two apiece after 20 minutes but first star Martin gave Grads a one goal advantage heading into the third. After the visitors went ahead 4-2, Connor Cobbold scored on a powerplay for Kanata to make it close. Golberg’s second into the empty Stallions’ cage sealed it with 17 seconds remaining. Brandon Petrie had a goal and one helper for the home team.         

Carleton Place 9 – Cornwall 4: Canadians early season run of success continued in Cornwall Thursday with a comprehensive win over last season’s CCHL runners-up. New offensive star Alex Globke continued his strong start with two goals giving him a team leading seven in nine games. Right winger Alex Frere also connected twice for the winners who solidified their hold on first place in the Robinson Division. Carleton Place (7-2) held period leads of 4-1 and 6-3 and then put it away by outscoring Colts 3-1 in the final frame. Veteran centre Luke Edwards set up four goals to lead Canadians with 13 points. He stood third in the league scoring derby after the game. Michael Pontarelli had two goals and one helper for Cornwall who fell to 4-4. Marly Quince scored once and set up a pair. Carleton Place netted twice on six powerplay chances and they were much more disciplined taking just six minor penalties on the night. Rookie goalie Matt Couvrette improved his record to 4-2.

Ottawa 5 – Pembroke 2: Four third period goals broke open a very even contest at Jim Durrell Recreation Complex Wednesday as the hometown Junior Sens upended Lumber Kings. The visitors led 30-29 in shots and after a scoreless first period they took the lead early in the middle stanza on winger Emilio Audi’s shorthanded, unassisted effort. Ottawa answered back three minutes later when Stephen Inman connected on a powerplay. Just 53 seconds into the third Ben Robillard used another man advantage situation to give Ottawa a brief lead. Pembroke’s Owen McDade quickly answered back, also during a powerplay. Just 34 seconds later Anthony Bada fired what proved to be the game winner, his second of the season. Ryan Collins, on a set-up from Bada and Robillard with his second of the night, during a last minute powerplay, gave Ottawa (4-2) the two points. Lumber Kings early season mark fell to 5-2-0-1 but they still led the Yzerman standings.

Gloucester 4 – Hawkesbury 1: Also Wednesday Rangers recorded their second win in eight games at the expense of a frustrated Hawks’ team who can’t seem to get untracked after a great finish to last season. The loss left Hawkesbury rooted to the bottom of the overall league standings with just one victory. At the final whistle a brawl erupted with four players from each side picking up game misconducts which kept them out of their next game. The ejections were the fifth of the night for each side in what turned out to be a very testy encounter! When hockey was the order of business it was second year left winger Chad Millett who led Gloucester with a goal and an assist. Keegan Rowe, Christian Leger and Jordan Gravel-Pilon also connected for the home team. Veteran forward Yanik Laliberte, with his second of the campaign midway through period two, was the only Hawk to beat winning net minder Gianmarco De Meis.

Smiths Falls 6 – Brockville 5 (SO): Bears continued their strong start to the campaign, outlasting long-time rival Brockville in a shootout at Smiths Falls Memorial Centre Tuesday night. It was the first of six meetings between the division rivals this season. Left winger Yannick Crete’s second goal of the night and fifth in eight games came during a powerplay with 6:55 left as Bears forced overtime. Five additional minutes failed to decide the outcome. In the shootout phase dependable Michael Buonincontri connected for the only goal to move Smiths Falls into a points tie with Carleton Place atop the Robinson Division. The teams were tied 3-3 following a hectic first period and the visitors outscored Bears 2-1 in the middle stanza. Jeffrey Carroll had a goal and one assist for Smiths Falls who outshot their opponents 44-31. Crete’s line mates Buonincontri and Chris Maniccia had two assists each. David Ferreira had a goal and one assist to pace Braves’ offence.

Kanata 4 – Kemptville 3 (SO): Stallions got another outstanding goaltending performance from Brandon Lane and then used the shootout to advantage to record their fifth win in eight starts Tuesday. The luckless 73’s out chanced the home team 40-31 but suffered their sixth loss in eight decisions. Two of the defeats occurred in shootouts. Veteran defenceman and team captain Curtis Watson was the regulation time hero for Kanata. He triggered the game tying marker with just 2:48 left while Stallions were killing a penalty. The shorthanded marker forced overtime which was scoreless. Both teams sent three players to the line during the shootout with Kanata netting the only goal to claim the bonus point. Devin Fullam and Brandon Petrie also had regulation time goals for the winners with Blaine Byron, Lucas Gonu and Alex Row the Kemptville scorers. There were nine minor penalties, five of which went to Stallions. 

To open a busy month of October there are 15 league games scheduled this week including a Thanksgiving Monday tilt between Ottawa and Gloucester at 2:30 p.m. at Earl Armstrong Arena in Orleans.

Jeff Maguire is a career journalist based in Carleton Place. He has covered junior hockey in Ontario for 41 years. Jeff’s report will appear on the CCHL website every Monday throughout the season. He can be reached by e-mail at: jeffrey.maguire@rogers.com