Smiths Falls Bears struggle to keep pace with league-leading Nationals in Friday night matchup
SMITHS FALLS — The Smiths Falls Bears‘ winning streak came to an abrupt halt Friday night at the den, falling 4-1 to the league-leading Rockland Nationals. The Nationals, who have lost only twice this season, struck early and often, proving why they sit atop the standings.
Rockland wasted no time striking first, with William Sasseville putting the Nationals on the board just 2:54 into the opening period.
The second period started in similar fashion, as Jérémy Belleau scored for Rockland at 2:20, followed by Gabriel Le Houillier «A» at 9:52. Tyson Parker finally got the Bears on the scoreboard at 13:06, assisted by Davis Hails.
An empty-net goal by Danel Myloserdnyy at 18:28 of the third period sealed the Nationals’ 4-1 win.
Despite outshooting Rockland 38-25, Smiths Falls struggled to match the Nationals’ fast-paced, aggressive style. While the loss was tough, it offered the Bears valuable lessons in adapting under pressure.
First star honours went to Gabriel Le Houillier «A» of Rockland, with goalie Kayden Newton earning second star and Tyson Parker of the Bears taking third.
The defeat drops the Bears to fourth overall in the league, though their 43 points still keep them comfortably in second place in their division.
Other Bears news this week came from the trade deadline on January 10. Smiths Falls traded Travis Ouellette and Cole Stants for Luka Benoit and Nicholas Larkin from Nepean. Renfrew acquired goalie Ayo Ogini from the Bears, while the team acquired goalie Logan Heideman from Pembroke. Rhett Colson was traded to Brockville, and Quinn Johnston to the Thunder Bay North Stars.
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