EOSHL 
The Paugan Falls Rapids came out firing on all cylinders, delivering an impressive 8-3 victory over the Arnprior Rivermen on Saturday, February 8th, in their final regular-season home game at the Gatineau Valley Arena. From the very first shift, the Rapids showcased their strength, outshooting the Rivermen 22-11 in the first period and setting the tone for a dominant performance.
Strong Start and Early Goals
The game began with one of the best opening shifts in Rapids history. After applying sustained pressure in the offensive zone for over 30 seconds, the Rapids unleashed a flurry of shots, setting the stage for an exciting game. The first goal came at 10:06 in the first period when Etienne Champagne fired a snap shot from the high slot on the power play, extending his goal streak to 5 games and giving the Rapids a 1-0 lead. Just two minutes later, Ryan Peck scored, banging home his own rebound with assists from Raphael Lajeunesse and John Mahoney, who was playing in his first game back from injury.
Adding to the Lead in the Second
The Rapids wasted no time extending their lead in the second period, with Alex Lafreniere scoring at 18:15, receiving a perfect feed from Champagne and calmly one-timing it low on the glove side. The Rivermen responded with two goals from Stephen Bird and Spencer Roberts. But Nic Carroll quickly answered for the Rapids, scoring a beautiful bar-down goal from the high slot off a feed from Lafreniere—the sound of the puck clanging off the bar echoed through the rink!
Third Period Surge
With a 4-2 lead heading into the third period, the Rapids continued their strong play. The Rivermen fought back, scoring a goal to make it 4-3 with 9:32 left in the game. But the Rapids were quick to respond. John Mahoney, in his long-awaited return, slipped behind the Arnprior defense and converted a backdoor feed from Ryan Peck, one-timing the puck to restore the lead at 5-3. Less than a minute later, Lafreniere scored a fluke goal when he dumped the puck from the red line, and it found its way into the net, making it 6-3.
The Rapids sealed the victory with two more goals: a power-play goal from Raphael Lajeunesse at 4:19, and Logan Beaupre’s short-handed tally with just 36 seconds left to make it 8-3.
John Mahoney’s Return
John Mahoney’s return to the lineup was one of the standout storylines of the night. After being sidelined since October with a broken ankle sustained in the home opener, Mahoney made a triumphant return to the ice. He played an outstanding two-way game, shutting down the Rivermen’s offense every chance he got. His strong defensive presence, combined with excellent puck play, contributed to several offensive chances for the Rapids. Mahoney earned a goal and an assist on the night, including the crucial goal that extended the Rapids lead to 5-3. He was named Player of the Game for his excellent contribution in his return. The Rapids coaching staff praised Mahoney for his impact on the game, and fans were thrilled to see him back on the ice.
Standout Performances
There were many strong performances throughout the night, but the following players stood out:
- Etienne Champagne (1 goal, 3 assists, 4 points) – 1st star of the game
- Ryan Peck (1 goal, 2 assists, 3 points) – 2nd star of the game
- Alex Lafreniere (2 goals, 1 assist, 3 points)
- Nicholas Carroll (1 goal, 2 assists, 3 points)
- Raphael Lajeunesse (1 goal, 2 assists, 3 points)
Team Performance
The Rapids delivered a strong team effort, controlling the game with a relentless forecheck and constant pressure in the offensive zone. They finished with 56 shots on net, creating opportunities and keeping the Rivermen on their heels throughout the night.
The power play was highly effective, converting 2 of 3 opportunities, while the penalty kill was perfect, shutting down all 3 Rivermen power plays. Strong play on both special teams was crucial in securing the win, highlighting the Rapids' well-rounded game.
Fan Experience
The 448 fans in attendance were treated to an unforgettable night. Ronnie Rapid was his usual energetic self, providing non-stop entertainment throughout the game. Fans were on their feet for every big play, and Ronnie’s antics had the crowd laughing and cheering all night long. The 50/50 draw was an exciting event, with Martin McGoey winning $1380 on his 60th birthday. Chuck-A-Puck was won by Tex Wilson, and the national anthem was performed by the talented Ben Mallory of the Low Fire Department, who wowed the crowd with his powerful rendition. Flag bearers for the night were Ryder Morrison, Declan Dingle, Wagouch "Slice" Morin and Ronnie Rapid!
Looking Ahead: Playoffs Begin
With the regular season now behind them, the Rapids are set to face the Manotick Mariners in the first round of the playoffs next weekend. The home playoff game is scheduled for Sunday, February 16th at 3:00 PM in Low but the series is set to begin in Manotick at 7:30 PM on Saturday, February 15th. Fans are encouraged to mark their calendars and come out to support the team in what promises to be an exciting best 2 out of 3 matchup. Go Rapids Go!