EOSHL 
HOME OF THE
PAUGAN FALLS RAPIDS
Rapids Complete Comeback Victory Over Rivermen in Arnprior’s Home Opener
The Arnprior Rivermen came out flying in their home opener, putting early pressure on the Paugan Falls Rapids. Arnprior struck first, with Connor Noonan finding the back of the net off assists from Luca Nocita and Dylan McMahon. They quickly doubled their lead with a goal by Alex Hulford, putting the Rapids on their heels. The Rapids responded with a spark when Pineshish Whiteduck finished off a 2-on-1 break with a smooth backhand deke over the goalie, assisted by Dakota Ostrowski. However, the Rivermen extended their lead to 3-1 before the first period ended, with Ty Power adding another goal on an odd-man rush.
In the second period, the Rapids found their groove and stormed back into the game. The momentum shifted with Carter Peck squaring off in a center-ice fight against Dan McIntyre. Not long after, Bure Odjick had an intense showdown with Matt Denis, landing heavy shots. Wearing #29 in honour of his late father, Gino Odjick, Bure’s physical play energized the Rapids.
The Rapids answered with four unanswered goals in the second period. Dakota Ostrowski started the scoring, followed by another tally from Whiteduck, and then goals from Cole Peck and Ryan Peck, giving the Rapids a 5-3 lead heading into the third.
Despite a strong showing in the final period, the game saw a late surge from the Rivermen. Ryan Peck took a 5-minute major penalty for high-sticking with five minutes left on the clock, and Arnprior capitalized with a power-play goal from Dylan McMahon, assisted by Noonan and Nocita, to close the gap to 5-4. However, Whiteduck completed his hat trick with a timely goal, giving the Rapids a 6-4 lead that would prove to be the game-winner. Though Arnprior managed another late goal, Nic Carroll’s empty netter sealed the 7-5 win for the Rapids.
With the victory, the Rapids remain unbeaten at 2-0-0, tied atop the Capital Division with the Manotick Mariners. The Rapids now look ahead to their next challenge: the first edition of the highly anticipated "Battle of Quebec" against the Pontiac Comets in Low next Saturday.
Key Performances
- Pineshish Whiteduck earned Player of the Game and First Star honors for his dominant three-goal, one-assist performance.
- Dakota Ostrowski had a stellar game on both ends of the ice, contributing one goal and four assists while playing a strong two-way game.
- Cole Peck led the defensive effort, notching a goal and an assist, as the Rapids’ blue line overcame injuries and illness to key players John Mahoney and Luke Peck.
Looking Ahead
The Rapids will be back in action next Saturday in Low for a highly anticipated matchup against the Pontiac Comets. Make sure to catch the excitement as the Rapids continue their early-season surge!