Rapids Ride Momentum into Final Home Game After Dominant 4–1 Win

The Paugan Falls Rapids delivered a statement performance on Saturday night at the Gatineau Valley Arena, skating to a hard-earned 4–1 victory over the South Grenville Rangers in a game that had a little bit of everything.

From physical play and highlight-reel goals to a fight, big saves, and a hat trick, it was the kind of complete hockey game that had the crowd fully engaged from start to finish.

A Game That Had It All

The Rapids set the tone early, dictating pace and physicality while generating consistent pressure. Although the Rangers opened the scoring late in the first period on a fluky goal that deflected off a skate and in with 2:18 remaining, the Rapids never wavered.

They outshot South Grenville 14–8 in the opening frame and carried that energy into the second period, even as the Rangers pushed back.

At 11:26 of the second, the Rapids capitalized on the power play when Etienne Champagne jumped on a rush chance. After taking a pass from Cole Peck, Champagne stepped around a defender and snapped a low blocker-side shot to tie the game at one.

That goal opened the floodgates.

Just over five minutes later, Champagne delivered one of the goals of the season. Killing a penalty, he corralled the puck in the neutral zone, flipped it past a defender, fought through a hook, and then — almost as if he wasn’t going to shoot — made a quick move in tight before ripping the puck top corner. A true highlight-reel short-handed goal that sent the building buzzing and gave the Rapids a 2–1 lead heading into the intermission.

Big Moments, Bigger Finish

The Rapids continued to lean on their special teams in the third period. On the power play, Ryan Peck stepped into the middle of the ice and blasted a shot from the top of the circle that rang off the post and into the net, knocking the water bottle clean off and extending the lead to 3–1.

Moments later came a defining turning point.

With a Ranger attacker finding a loose puck in front and a wide-open net, Aidan Foley launched himself across the crease in desperation, robbing South Grenville with a full-extension save that had the entire crowd on its feet. The save preserved the two-goal cushion and shifted momentum firmly back to the Rapids.

With 2:59 remaining, Champagne sealed the win — and completed his second straight hat trick — finishing a play with assists from William Dagenais and goaltender Aidan Foley, an unusual but fitting touch on a dominant night. Champagne finished with three goals and an assist, earning first star honours.

Foley stopped 25 of 26 shots to earn second star recognition, anchoring a calm and confident team performance.

The emotion carried right to the final buzzer, when Sam McLaughlin stepped in to defend his goaltender after a late shove, dropping the gloves in a leadership moment that spoke volumes about the group’s unity.

A Night Powered by the Community

Friday night also featured a strong off-ice atmosphere. Ben Mallory delivered a powerful rendition of the national anthem, while Harper Villeneuve and Avery Steuri served as flag bearers.

In the stands, 365 fans brought consistent energy, helped along by Ronnie Rapid, who kept the building loud and engaged all night long.

  • 50/50 Winner: Talia Kelly ($865)

  • Chuck-A-Puck Winner: Laura Degroot

  • CrossSmith Team Puck Winner: William Holmes

What the Win Means

With the victory, the Rapids now sit two points ahead of the Arnprior Rivermen in the standings, though Arnprior holds a game in hand. As things stand, the play-in game would be on home ice on Tuesday, February 10 — a position the Rapids will look to lock down with another strong result down the stretch.

And there’s no time to slow down.

One Last Home Game. One Big Test.

The Rapids return to home ice this Saturday, January 31, for the final home game of the regular season, welcoming the Manotick Mariners to the Gatineau Valley Arena.

Puck drop is set for 7:00 PM, with warm-ups beginning at 6:30 PM.

Manotick has been the class of the league all season, boasting a dominant 17–1 record and rolling through nearly every opponent they’ve faced. It’s a tall task — but also a massive opportunity.

These teams know each other well. They met in the playoffs last year, and there’s no such thing as a friendly game when these two share the ice. Expect a fast, skilled, and physical matchup that could serve as a preview of a potential first-round playoff series if the Rapids advance past the play-in round.

Final Chance to Pack the Barn

Saturday night is your last chance to see the Rapids at home before the playoffs, and the goal is simple: pack the rink and make it loud.

Ronnie Rapid will be back doing what he does best, keeping the energy high from start to finish, and the team will be feeding off every cheer as they take on the league’s top squad.

Game Night Details

  • Date: Saturday, January 31

  • Time: 7:00 PM (Warm-up at 6:30 PM)

  • Location: Gatineau Valley Arena

  • Tickets: $10 at the door

  • Kids 12 & under: FREE

  • Advance tickets:Available online via Frontdoor+

The anthem will be sung by Selena McCambley, with flag bearers from Gracefield Elementary School.
Game sponsors include BeaverTails, Tega Excavation, and Kaza Decor.

The push toward playoff hockey is on. Don’t miss your chance to be part of it.

Go Rapids Go. 🌊🏒