NPHL 
The Paugan Falls Rapids are back on home ice this weekend for one of the most important games of the regular season, as they host the South Grenville Rangers on Saturday, January 24, at the Gatineau Valley Arena.
Puck drop is set for 7:00 PM, with warm-up beginning at 6:30 PM. This marks the second-last home game of the regular season, and with the playoff race tightening, every shift will matter.
Season Series Sets the Stage
Saturday’s matchup is the rubber match in the season series between the two clubs, which currently sits tied 1–1.
The Rapids dropped the season opener 8–5 on the road back in September, before bouncing back with a hard-fought 4–3 victory on home ice on November 29. As has been the case in recent seasons, games between the Rapids and Rangers have consistently delivered tight, high-tempo hockey, and Saturday night is expected to be no different.
Game Night Atmosphere
While there’s no official theme night, fans can expect the full Rapids game-night experience.
Ben Mallory will perform the national anthem
Ronnie Rapid will be in the building all night long
Fan-favourite events including the 50/50, Chuck-a-Puck, and the first intermission challenge will all be taking place
Tickets are $10 at the door, with kids 12 and under getting in free. Tickets can also be purchased online.
Saturday’s game is proudly sponsored by Construction Ron Dubeau, Shawn Chamberlain Construction, and Garage Matthew Chamberlain.
Players to Watch & Keys to the Game
The Rapids will be tasked with slowing down two of the Rangers’ most dangerous offensive weapons:
Brandon Gilmour — 19 points in 13 games
Broydon Stufko — 18 points in 14 games
Both players represented South Grenville at last weekend’s All-Star Game and have been driving the Rangers’ offence all season.
For the Rapids, containing these top threats, staying disciplined, and capitalizing on scoring chances will be key as they look to control the pace on home ice.
Playoff Picture: Why This Game Matters
With just three games remaining in the regular season, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
The Rapids are currently tied with the Arnprior Rivermen for 4th place in the East’s Pioneer Division, with Arnprior holding the tiebreaker due to an extra regulation win. Regardless of how the final stretch plays out, the Rapids and Rivermen are set to meet in a play-in game on Tuesday, February 10, with the winner advancing to face the Manotick Mariners in a best-of-three first-round series beginning the weekend of February 13.
What’s still very much up for grabs, however, is home-ice advantage for that play-in matchup.
These final three games are critical, as home ice has proven to be a decisive factor in past playoff runs at the Gatineau Valley Arena. It all starts Saturday night, as the Rapids look to earn two big points against the Rangers and position themselves ahead of the Rivermen when it matters most.
Puck drop is Saturday at 7:00 PM.
With playoff hockey just around the corner, this is one fans won’t want to miss.