Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Eight unanswered goals from the Smiths Falls Rideaus was more than enough to deny the Deseronto Bulldogs their first win of the EOSHL Sr. A season on Saturday night in Napanee.
The Bulldogs held a 6-2 lead in the second period before the Rideaus stunned the home team with eight straight to rally for a 10-6 victory.
Originally scheduled to be played at the Deseronto Community Rec Centre, the game was quickly shifted to the Home Hardware Rink of Napanee’s Strathcona Paper Centre just hours before puck drop. After nearly two years of inactivity, technical problems arose with the ice installation at the Deseronto arena, which necessitated the shift in venue.
The Bulldogs appeared to be right at home at the SPC in the early going as Jordan Cannons scored a minute and 50 seconds into the game with help from Mitch Merry.
After the Rideaus took a 2-1 lead in the opening five minutes, the Bulldogs’ offense came to life. Alex Basey, Cullen Hinds, Shamus Barr, Evan Foley and Cannons each scored for the Bulldogs to build what seemed like a comfortable 6-2 lead with just over 25 minutes left in the game.
Trevor Withers makes a pad save during Saturday’s game between the Bulldogs and the Rideaus. Photo by Adam Prudhomme.
The Rideaus answered the Bulldogs’ five straight goals with eight of their own to turn the game in their favour.
Deseronto clung to a 6-5 lead heading into the final intermission but were unable to slow the Rideaus over the final 20 minutes, coughing up five goals in the final 20 minutes.
Corey Symingston, Bradley Hamilton, Michael McKenney and Kyle Dowdall each scored twice for Smiths Falls while Andrew Mckenney added one.
Trevor Withers started the game for Deseronto, allowing six goals in 41:13 minutes worth of ice time. Graeme Gemmill was called on early in the third to try and slow the Rideau offense, finishing with nine saves and four goals allowed.
The loss drops Deseronto to 0-3 on the season while the Rideaus climb to 3-0, which is tops in the West Division, to which the Bulldogs also belong.
Deseronto will look to end their mini slide on Oct. 23 when they host the west Carlton Rivermen. That game is scheduled to take place at the Deseronto Community Rec Centre and will serve as the team’s actual home opener.