Rapids Close Out the Preseason with 2-0 Shutout

September 17, Long Sault, Ontario - In an afternoon faceoff at 2 pm, the Paugan Falls Rapids secured a 2-0 victory over the South Stormont Mustangs, highlighting a perfect end to their pre-season.

From the get-go, it was clear that the game would be a defensive showdown, with both teams showcasing speed and skill. Despite the adrenaline-charged energy on the ice, it was the goalkeepers and defense that truly shone, turning away shot after shot and ensuring every approach was met with resistance.

The Rapids took the lead in the early minutes of the second period. A smooth pass from Dakota Ostrowski to Kodiak Whiteduck, who then decided to dump the puck, saw it ricochet into the slot. It was Ryan Peck who took advantage of the opportunity, sending a crisp snap shot under the bar, out of the goalkeeper's reach. The second goal, ensuring a cushion for the Rapids, came late in the third period and was credited to Jeremy Maisonneuve. This unassisted effort marked his first goal as a Rapid and further solidified their lead.

Yet, the spotlight undoubtedly belonged to Aidan Foley, the Rapids' goalie, who was outstanding throughout. For every challenge the Mustangs posed, Foley was up to the task, freezing the puck with finesse and confidence. His performance earned him the title of 'Rapids Player of the Game' and was especially notable given that only two shutouts were recorded in the previous EOSHL season out of 150 games. This showcases the rarity and significance of Foley's achievement.

But it wasn't just skill and saves that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Midway through the second period, the arena bore witness to what many might call the 'fight of the year'. G Whiteduck of the Rapids and a Mustangs player traded blows in an intense face-off that lasted nearly a minute. Both players connected with countless punches, earning the admiration of fans like Greg Ezard who commented on facebook, “If anyone missed this game they missed a fight of the year candidate. Hats off to both players.”

The atmosphere in Long Sault was electrifying. While the majority of the crowd was cheering for the home team Mustangs, a dedicated contingent of Rapids fans made the trip to Long Sault to cheer on the Rapids.

Post-game, many fans took to social media to share their excitement and pride for their respective teams. However, the anticipation was palpable among Rapids fans as they look forward to the upcoming season. The win against the Mustangs was not just a testament to their current form but also a promising indicator of what's to come.

The Rapids now set their sights on the Bytown Royals. The season opener is scheduled for October 7th at 8:45 pm at the Richcraft Sensplex. With the momentum from their pre-season success, the Rapids are gearing up for what promises to be an electrifying and competitive season.