MHKY | Voyageurs Lose Physical Contest With Ridgebacks
January 9, 2020
The Laurentian Voyageurs opened the second half of their season last night against the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks. After an unfortunate start to the season leaving them at 3-13-2 the Voyageurs were in search of a fourth win tonight. The Ridgebacks entered the game in the eight and final playoff spot, seven points ahead of the Voyageurs.
The first period would result in a two goal effort by the Ridgebacks and give them a 2-0 lead after the first frame. Liam Hurley and Jake Bricknell would both pot one goal on Mackenzie Savard.
It was a very physcial game, and at times it looked like both teams were more focused on making a hit instead of making a play. Late in the first period, Laurentian's Zach Wilkie would deliver a huge hit to the Ridgebacks' Matthieu Gomercic beside the Voyageurs' bench. The Ridgebacks were not pleased with the hit, and a scrum ensued. Wilkie would be penalized with a 5 minute major for boarding and a game misconduct. The Voyageurs were able to kill the penalty, one of five they would have to kill on the night.
The Ridgebacks would score a third unanswered goal seven minutes into the second frame after Ryan Cullen was left open out front of Savard for a tap in.
The Voyageurs would eventually beat the Ridgebacks after Jarret Meyer pinched from his post on the blueline and received a pass from Noah Kalsner-Lowe out front. Meyer would roof the puck over Michael Bullion for his second of the season, and give the Voyageurs their first of the game. The Voyageurs went into the third trailing 3-1 on the scoreboard, and 25-18 on the shot clock.
The Ridgebacks would add another two in the third after Kari Belec and Sean Ross would make for a 5-1 final in favour of the Ridgebacks. The Voyageurs were outshot 13-5 in the final frame. Savard would finish the game with 33 saves, while Bullion stopped 22 shots from the Voyageurs.
The Voyageurs will take their fourteenth loss on the season and will play the RMC Paladins this upcoming Saturday and Sunday. The Paladins are six points in front of the Voyageurs in the standings, so these two games will be crucial if the Vees hope to fight into a playoff spot.
Sam Brooks