The Shawville Pontiacs got their fifth consecutive victory on Friday night in a hard-fought battle that saw them defeat the South Grenville Rangers 5-1 on home ice.
The hosts came out fast and furious in the first period, attempting 17 shots to the visitors’ four. But Shawville didn’t tally a goal until the late first period, when William Dagenais netted the opener to put the hosts ahead.
Both teams racked up a slew of 14 penalties combined during a second-period slog that saw the game grind to a standstill. Pontiacs coach and owner Darcy Findlay said after calling the game loose in the first period, officials tightened it up in the second to the point where both teams were hindered.
“It wasn’t even a hockey game for about 20 minutes in the second, and it doesn’t help our team. We want to wear you down and come back at you again,” he said.
Despite the slowdown in play, each team netted a goal in the period, including a Pontiacs goal from rookie Julien Arruda. Findlay said the play of the Rangers goalie kept their opponents in the game, as his Pontiacs had attempted 26 shots on goal by the end of the second.
“We were in the offensive end for the majority of the time. The score could have been more than just 1-0 after one period if the goalie didn’t play the way he had,” Findlay said.
Shawville blew the game open in the third period, netting two more goals, including one from Arruda and one from Jacob Roy-Lauzon. Once the Rangers decided to pull their goalie, Findlay sent Arruda – who had two goals at the time – back onto the ice for his chance at a hat-trick.
“I said get out there, that’s the only shot you’re getting . . . He gave me a little smirk afterwards on the bench,” said Findlay of the empty-net goal.
With Friday’s win the Pontiacs improved to five wins and one loss, which is not quite good enough for first in the Capital division since the leading Manotick Mariners retained the top spot this weekend with a 5-3 victory over the Akwesasne Wild.
Findlay said while the league at large has improved its talent level this year, he has been impressed at the depth of his roster only six games into the season.
“Depth is a strength of ours. It’s easy for guys to get frustrated when you have a roster like ours, when guys would like to be in situations. But they have done a great job of playing as one and buying what we’re selling,” he said.
Before the game, Julien Arruda was awarded the team’s October Player of the Month award with nine points, including six goals, three assists and one game-winning goal. His hat-trick on Friday night was enough to also earn him first star of the game. Pontiacs goalie Marc-Antoine Plouffe picked up the game’s third star.
The Pontiacs will play at home against the Arnprior Rivermen this Friday, Nov. 14, at 7:30 p.m. in a minor hockey-themed night. Minor hockey coaches will participate in various challenges on the ice during the first and second intermissions, and minor hockey players will also be judged on their team spirit, with the winning team being awarded a pizza party.
“We’re gonna celebrate the players, the coaches and the volunteers and have a little fun while we’re at it,” Findlay said.
