Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Both ends of the standings spectrum were represented by the Napanee Raiders’ opponents this week as they rolled over the last place Campbellford Rebels 12-2 Friday before squeaking out a 3-2 win over second place Clarington.
Evan Foley netted the game winner in Sunday’s road contest, scoring at the 15:12 mark of the second period to put the Raiders up 3-2. Aidan McFarland and Brodie Maracle assisted on the power-play tally.
Defence took over on both sides from there, as the teams combined for just 10 shots-six from Clarington-over the final 20 minutes. Bailey Maracle stood tall in net for the Raiders, making the one goal advantage hold up for the win.
Logan White opened the scoring for Napanee at the 13:04 mark of the first.
That goal held up until the second until Clarington’s Matt McCollough tied it five minutes into the first. The teams traded goals from there, with Justynn Steven scoring on the power-play to make it 2-1, offset by Clarington’s Brett Poulin.
Napanee’s special teams was the difference, converting on two of their four power-plays while shutting out the Eagles on all six of their advantages.
Friday’s game was much less suspenseful as the Raiders cruised passed the winless Rebels 12-2 on home ice.
Marshall McFarland, Liam Mroueh and Steven each netted a pair while Nic Case, Matthew Panetta, Foley, Cam Sheehy, Devon King and Brodie Maracle each had singles.
Mitch Bown earned the win, stopping 14 of 16 Rebel shots. Napanee meanwhile fired 63 shots at both of Campbellford’s tenders. Michael Brassor started the game before Kyle Hayes took over.
Through 18 games Napanee is still yet to lose in regulation, now at 16-0-1-1 with 34 points. Gananoque is second at 10-4-2-3 (24 points), followed by Amherstview, 11-6 (22), Port Hope, 9-5-1-1 (20), Picton, 6-9-1-1 (14) and Campbellford, 0-12-0-2 (two).
Napanee will return to action on Saturday when they are on the road in Campbellford. On Sunday they are home to host the Little Britain Merchants at 6:30 p.m.