Rapids Battle Hard but Fall Short to Mustangs in 6-3 Loss

The Paugan Falls Rapids played a strong game but were ultimately defeated 6-3 by the South Stormont Mustangs on Saturday, January 18th, 2025. The Rapids came out flying and controlled much of the play in the first period. They opened the scoring at 7:46 when Carter Peck rang a shot off the crossbar, which landed directly on Raphael Lajeunesse's stick in the slot. Lajeunesse buried the rebound to make it 1-0.

Both teams’ goaltenders were outstanding in the first and second periods, with incredible saves keeping the game tight. The Mustangs equalized at 7:31 in the second period, but the Rapids quickly responded. Garth McLaughlin found himself behind a defender in the slot after making a nifty toe drag, firing a shot high blocker side. The puck crossed the goal line just before the net was knocked off, bringing the game to 2-2.

The Mustangs, however, took control in the final five minutes of the second period, scoring two quick goals to take a 3-2 lead heading into the third.

The Rapids didn’t back down. With 13 minutes remaining in the game, Dakota Ostrowski slid a slick pass over to Etienne Champagne, who fired a blistering snap shot over the high blocker side to tie the game 3-3. But the Mustangs regained the lead with a goal in the dying moments and added a goal off a strange bounce off the glass behind the net, making it 5-3. The Mustangs sealed the win with an empty-net goal, finishing 6-3.

Eric Skyba was named Player of the Game for the Rapids, with standout performances from Carter Peck, Raphael Lajeunesse, and Kodiak Whiteduck, who all had exceptional outings.

Game Highlights:

  • 50/50 Winner: Madison Peck and Cassidy Peck, who took home $780.
  • Chuck-a-Puck Winner: Teo Proulx.
  • Flag Bearers: Teo Proulx and Cayden Proulx.

Looking Ahead:

With just two home games remaining this season, the Rapids are gearing up for a crucial stretch. They’ll host the Glengarry Pipers on Saturday, January 25th and the Arnprior Rivermen on Saturday, February 8th. Come out and support the team as they make their push toward the playoffs!

Go Rapids Go!