Rapids Earn 4–3 Victory on Teddy Bear Toss Night

The Paugan Falls Rapids picked up a hard-fought 4–3 win over the South Grenville Rangers on Saturday night at the Gatineau Valley Arena, closing out November with a strong performance in front of 356 fans.

The Rangers stunned the crowd early, opening the scoring just 36 seconds into the first period. But the Rapids quickly settled in and took control of the game’s early momentum.

First Period – Rapids Respond with Two Big Goals

At 12:01, Keon Troccoli-Roik got the Rapids on the board, finishing a beautifully executed rush. Logan Beaupre carried the puck with speed through the neutral zone, stepped around a defender, and fed Troccoli-Roik in the high slot for a low one-timer to tie the game.

Late in the first period, the Rapids took the lead on the power play at 1:29. William Venne, making his long-awaited Rapids debut, wired a top-corner wrist shot off a pass from Ryan Peck behind the net to score his first goal as a Rapid.

A Special Moment for William Venne

Venne’s goal carried extra meaning. Saturday marked his first contact game since the 2023–24 playoffs, when he suffered a serious neck injury in Low — a setback that sidelined him for over a year. Acquired during the 2024–25 season, he finally made his Rapids debut on Saturday night, and he made an immediate impact. Beyond the goal, he was noticeable all over the ice, showing the size, speed, and skill that made him a key addition. His performance earned him Player of the Game honours, capping off a memorable return to action.

Second Period – Power Play Stays Hot

The Rapids stretched the lead to 3–1 at 14:45 with another power play goal. Ric Shin buried a rebound with assists to Sam McLaughlin and newcomer Liam Murdoch, who recorded his first point as a Rapid.

With 5:15 left in the frame, Garth McLaughlin finished a well-timed slot feed from Eric Skyba and Robert Beaudoin, giving the Rapids a 4–1 cushion heading into the third period.

Third Period – Rangers Push Back, Rapids Hold Firm

South Grenville pushed back with goals from Marco Haw and Broydon Stufko at 18:40 and 16:04, cutting the Rapids’ lead to 4–3. But the Rapids tightened up defensively and held on with disciplined structure in the final minutes.

In goal, Aidan Foley delivered another solid outing, stopping 27 of 30 shots and earning second star of the game. Troccoli-Roik earned the first star with a 1-goal, 1-assist performance and strong two-way play.

Special teams were a difference-maker all night. The Rapids went 2/3 on the power play, improving to 3rd in the East at 24.3%, and went a perfect 2/2 on the penalty kill, continuing their steady improvement in an area that struggled early in the season.

Teddy Bear Toss Success

The annual Teddy Bear Toss, co-hosted with the Low Fire Department, was once again a major success. 161 stuffed animals were collected and will be delivered to Maison des Collines, Gracefield seniors home and the Wakefield Hospital long-term care patients.

Thank you to everyone who brought a bear and helped spread some holiday cheer.

Game Night Notes

Saturday’s game was supported by Giant Tiger Wakefield, Metro Kelly Gracefield, and Cammionage Gilbert Gabie. Giant Tiger also sponsored a popular $2 hot dog night at the canteen, which many fans enjoyed!

The pre-game ceremonies featured flag bearers Kentley Townsend, William Courtney, and Briana Smout from Queen Elizabeth Elementary School. The national anthem was performed by Jesse O’Connor, setting the stage for an energetic night at the Gatineau Valley Arena.

In-game fan events added to the fun as well. Amber Duncan won the 50/50 draw, taking home $1,050, while Megan Draper claimed the Chuck-A-Puck prize. Rene Lachapelle won the Century 21 CrossSmith Team Puck giveaway.

And as always, Ronnie Rapid was in attendance, keeping the building loud and active all night long.

Looking Ahead

The Rapids hit the road this Saturday for a 7:30 PM matchup against the Manotick Mariners. The next home game is Saturday, December 13th at 7:00 PM at the Gatineau Valley Arena.