Adam Prudhomme
Editor
A season high tying nine Napanee Raider shots found twine on Friday night as the steamrolled the visiting Campbellford Rebels 9-1 at the SPC.
Ben White and Erik MacNiel both scored twice while Carter Hartwick, Reid Lambert, Luke Jarmin, Christos Chronis and Blake Aylesworth each had one. Aylesworth had a hand in three additional goals, giving him a four point night. MacNiel also assisted on a pair to go with the two he generated.
Even down a man the Raider offense couldn’t be slowed as MacNiel and Aylesworth each lit the lamp while the team was short-handed.
Brayden Henderson drew the tough assignment in net for the Rebels, facing 46 shots over two periods, allowing six to get through. He was pulled in favour of Owen Sheppard for the third period, who was peppered with 15 shots over the final 20 minutes, allowing three goals. Down at the other end of the ice Raider goalie Logan Vale saw just 18 shots, allowing only Kaleb Brown to best him with two-and-half minutes left in the game. Friday’s nine goal outburst matched their output from their Nov. 4 game, when they shellacked the Rebels 9-3, though that game was in Campbellford.
With Friday’s win the Raiders continue to keep the heat on the second place Port Hope Panthers, now trailing by just a single point. Napanee is now 13-7 with one tie on the season, giving them 27 points. The Panthers are 13-6 with an overtime loss and a tie, good for 28 points. Both clubs are chasing the Frankford Huskies, who have 33 points courtesy a 15-4-3 record.
The Amherstview Jets are fourth at 12-10 (24 points) while the Picton Pirates are fifth at 8-10 with a tie (17 points). Friday’s loss extended the Rebels’ winless streak to 21 games, though they do have an overtime loss and a tie to their name.
After cramming a week’s worth of offense into one game, the Raiders will have enjoyed a full week’s break before they return to game action. The Pirates will be in town on Dec. 8 for the annual teddy bear toss game. Fans are encouraged to bring a new stuffed animal to the rink and be prepared to lob them onto the ice when the Raiders score their first of the night. The toys will be gathered and donated to kids in need. Puck drop is 7:30 p.m. at the SPC.