Rapids Defeat Rivermen 5–3 in Play-In, Advance to Face Manotick

The Rapids extended their season Tuesday night with a hard-fought 5–3 victory over the Arnprior Rivermen in a tightly contested play-in playoff game at the Gatineau Valley Arena.

In a matchup that remained close throughout, special teams execution and timely scoring proved decisive. The Rapids capitalized on three of five power play opportunities and received steady goaltending from Aidan Foley to secure advancement.

A Fast Start and a Level First Period

Ryan Peck opened the scoring at 18:06 of the first period, intercepting a clearing attempt at the blue line before skating into the slot and beating Arnprior goaltender Carlen Lyle on the blocker side during a power play.

The Rivermen responded just over a minute later when Anthony McVeigh converted on a rebound in the slot to even the game at 1–1.

The Rapids regained the lead with 4:40 remaining in the opening frame. Keon Troccoli-Roik narrowly missed on a breakaway opportunity but recovered the puck along the boards and directed it toward the crease, where it deflected off Lyle’s skate and into the net. Arnprior answered again before the intermission, tying the game 2–2 and sending the teams into the break even.

Special Teams Take Control in the Second

The second period proved to be the turning point.

On a 5-on-3 power play at 15:08, Etienne Champagne fired a low shot from the point that found the blocker side of the net to restore the Rapids’ advantage. Ryan Peck and Keon Troccoli-Roik recorded the assists.

Later in the period, Champagne won an offensive-zone faceoff cleanly back to Troccoli-Roik, who moved the puck to Ryan Peck at the point. Ryan stepped into the slot and beat Lyle high glove side, extending the lead to 4–2 heading into the third.

The two-goal cushion marked the first real separation in what had otherwise been a tightly played contest.

Holding Off the Push

Arnprior cut the deficit to 4–3 with a power play goal at 18:55 of the third period, creating late-game pressure.

The Rapids responded at 12:15 when Eric Skyba capitalized on a rebound in front, with assists from Devon Thompson and Luke Peck, restoring a two-goal margin that ultimately held.

Foley turned aside 36 of 39 shots for a .923 save percentage, making key stops during stretches when the Rivermen pressed for momentum.

The Rapids’ power play finished 3-for-5 on the night, accounting for the difference on the scoreboard.

Ryan Peck was named First Star after recording two goals and an assist, while Keon Troccoli-Roik earned Second Star honours with one goal and two assists. Ric Shin was selected as Rapids Player of the Game for his strong two-way performance, highlighted by consistent work in the faceoff circle and a physical presence that helped limit Arnprior’s offensive opportunities.

Playoff Atmosphere in Low

Tuesday’s game carried a noticeable playoff atmosphere.

Martin McGoey claimed the $600 50/50 prize, Darryl Mayer won Chuck-a-Puck, and fans were introduced to a new first-intermission performance by Ronnie Rapid. Janet Egan delivered the national anthem, while Declan Dingle and Ryder Morrison served as flag bearers.

With the victory, the Rapids move forward.

Turning the Page to Manotick

A Formidable Opponent

The Rapids now prepare to face the Manotick Mariners, who finished the regular season with an 18–2 record and are widely regarded as one of the league’s top contenders.

The Mariners swept the four-game regular season series against the Rapids. However, the teams’ playoff history suggests a competitive matchup. Last season’s postseason meeting saw Manotick secure narrow 3–2 and 5–3 victories in a tightly contested series.

Manotick’s offensive depth is its defining strength. Fifteen players averaged at least a point per game this season, including five who surpassed the two-point-per-game mark. Their ability to generate scoring across multiple lines presents a significant challenge.

The Path Forward

For the Rapids, success will hinge on structured defensive play, disciplined puck management, and continued stability in goal.

The power play, which operated at 60 percent in Tuesday’s win, has emerged as a timely asset. Limiting high-danger chances while capitalizing on special teams opportunities will be key for the Rapids.

While the Rapids enter the series as underdogs, they do so having demonstrated resilience and composure in elimination situations.

Series Schedule

Game 1 will be played Saturday, February 14 at 7:30 p.m. in Manotick.

The series shifts to the Gatineau Valley Arena for Game 2 on Sunday, February 15 at 3:00 p.m., with warm-up scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10, and children aged 12 and under are admitted free. Tickets are also available online via Frontdoor+.

Selina McCambley will perform the national anthem Sunday afternoon. Ronnie Rapid will return with a first-intermission performance, and fan favourites including the 50/50 draw and Chuck-a-Puck will be part of the playoff program.

With a home playoff game on the schedule, the Rapids will look to build on the momentum generated Tuesday night and carry that energy into what promises to be a demanding series.