A Night to Remember: Rapids Open Home Schedule in Front of Packed House

October 11th, 2025 – Gatineau Valley Arena, Low, QC

It was a night to remember in Low as more than 600 fans packed into the Gatineau Valley Arena for the Paugan Falls Rapids’ 2025–26 home opener. From rally towels waving to smoke and blue lights filling the rink, the atmosphere was electric from start to finish — the kind of small-town hockey magic that defines the Gatineau Valley.

Fans had been buzzing with excitement all week, with some even reserving their spots as early as Thursday night by leaving blankets in the stands. By warm-up at 6:30 p.m., the building was already packed tight with only standing room remaining, and anticipation reached a fever pitch as the lights dimmed for the opening ceremony.

The pre-game show began with a smoke-and-light display that introduced each Rapids starter one by one through the zamboni doors. A spotlight followed each player to the blue line, where they were met by roaring applause from the sold-out crowd. The ceremony continued with a special appearance by former NHL defenseman Jim Kyte, who was escorted to center ice by RCMP officer Matt Dingle for the ceremonial puck drop. Then, legendary anthem singer Lyndon Slewidge was escorted by RCMP officer Adam Al-Kadri to perform the national anthem. His powerful rendition brought the crowd to its feet and set the stage for a night full of passion and pride.

Before leaving the ice, both Jim and Lyndon were presented with their own Paugan Falls Rapids replica jerseys by Mike Lachapelle and Scott Mahoney, drawing another round of cheers from the crowd.

Fast Start, Hard Battle

The Rapids wasted no time igniting the building once the puck dropped. Just 18 seconds into the first period, Ryan Peck capitalized on a rebound from Kevin Domingue’s chance off a 2-on-1 rush to give the Rapids an early 1–0 lead. The goal sent the crowd into a frenzy as rally towels waved throughout the arena.

The Shawville Pontiacs answered back at 6:40 with a short-handed goal from Jean-Philippe Caron, tying the game 1–1 after the opening frame.

In the second period, the Pontiacs built momentum with a pair of goals from Justin Brennan and Christian Bereni to take a 3–1 lead. The Rapids clawed back midway through the frame when Kevin Domingue, in his first home game as a Rapid, buried a power-play marker top corner with assists from Ryan Peck and Cole Peck. Shawville added another late goal to make it 4–2 after two periods.

The teams traded goals in the third. Shawville extended its lead early with a power-play tally from Ryanlee Wadden, before Braeden Pearl struck back for the Rapids on the man advantage, assisted by Luke Peck and Ric Shin. The Pontiacs sealed the game with two more goals, including an empty-netter, to secure a 7–3 win.

Despite the loss, the Rapids competed hard from start to finish, generating quality chances and feeding off the crowd’s energy all night. Goaltender Malcolm Patry was solid in the crease, turning aside 34 of 40 shots and making several key saves to keep the game close.

Kevin Domingue earned Rapids Player of the Game honours and was named Second Star of the night for his strong performance, finishing with a goal and an assist.

Community and Celebration

The evening was about far more than hockey. It was a community celebration that showcased the pride and spirit of the Gatineau Valley.

The first 500 fans received commemorative Rapids rally towels, which created a sea of white and blue throughout the arena and will surely make appearances at future games.

Team mascot Ronnie Rapid was also in top form, entertaining the crowd all night long — from pumping up fans before puck drop to dancing in the aisles and keeping the energy high during intermissions.

Jean Noël won the 50/50 draw, taking home $1,675, while Linda Paquette won Chuck-a-Puck, and Romain Léveillée successfully found the flag during the first intermission contest. Shannon McLaughlin, one of the Rapids’ loyal season ticket holders, went home with the special Rapids x CrossSmith Team puck giveaway.

The night’s sponsors — Ronald O’Connor Construction, Mark Ryan Real Estate, and John McLaughlin Motors — were proudly recognized throughout the game for their continued support of local hockey.

Flag bearers for the evening were Avery Fleury, Evan Defranco, and Lucas Defranco, who led the Rapids onto the ice with enthusiasm and pride.

The Rapids would like to thank everyone who came together to make the home opener a success — from the dedicated arena staff and team volunteers to the local sponsors, community supporters, and of course, the incredible fans who filled the rink and made the night unforgettable. Special thanks to our honoured guests Lyndon Slewidge, Jim Kyte, and RCMP officers Matt Dingle and Adam Al-Kadri for making the evening truly special.

Next Up: Home Again October 18th

The Rapids will play a rare doubleheader next weekend against the Manotick Mariners, beginning Friday night on the road before returning home to the Gatineau Valley Arena on Saturday, October 18th for another high-energy matchup.

Fans are encouraged to come out, bring their rally towels, and help make the arena loud once again as the Rapids look to bounce back and earn their first win of the season.

Puck drop is at 7:00 p.m. — see you in Low!