Rapids Triumph in Home Opener Against Rivermen

The Paugan Falls Rapids kicked off their 2024-25 season with a dominant 5-1 victory over the Arnprior Rivermen on Saturday night at the Gatineau Valley Arena. In front of a lively crowd of 509 fans, the Rapids showcased excellent team effort and skill in their season opener.

The Rapids came out flying, applying pressure early in the game. They struck first on the powerplay when Carter Peck buried a rebound from Ryan Peck and Cole Peck. The Rapids extended their lead to 2-0 when Pineshish Whiteduck found the back of the net with a perfect top-corner shot, thanks to a crisp feed from Dakota Ostrowski and Eric Skyba.

The Rivermen closed the gap to 2-1 midway through the second period with a goal from Connor Noonan, assisted by Luca Nocita and Max Saito. However, that would be the only time they managed to beat Patry, who delivered several spectacular saves throughout the game. The Rapids responded swiftly, with Luke Peck netting his first of the season, assisted by Ryan Peck and Carter Peck on the power play.

As the game progressed, the physical intensity ramped up. Both Dakota Ostrowski and John Mahoney dropped the gloves in spirited fights, energizing their team and the crowd. Unfortunately, Mahoney suffered a fractured fibula after an awkward fall at the end of his fight and is expected to be out of the lineup for an extended period of time.

The third period continued with the Rapids' relentless pressure. Alex Lafreniere scored his first of the season off a feed from Nicholas Carroll midway through the third period. With just over a minute left, Ryan Peck sealed the victory with an empty-net goal, making it 5-1. The Rapids' defense was solid throughout the game, with Cole Peck earning second star of the game after notching two assists and playing a crucial shutdown role. Pineshish Whiteduck, flying all over the ice, impressed with a strong 200-foot game. Goaltender Malcolm Patry was the standout performer, making 40 saves on 41 shots for a .976 save percentage and earning first-star honors.

Special Event Highlights

The evening wasn’t just about hockey. The crowd was treated to the first-ever appearance of team mascot Ronnie Rapid, who energized the arena and took photos with fans from 5:30 to 6:30 pm before making an on ice appearance before puck drop. In addition, AJ Jakubec from TSN 1200 was on hand to perform the ceremonial puck drop, marking an exciting start to the season.

Intermission and Game Winners

During the first intermission, Cameron Convery won the new first intermission challenge and took home a Rapids t-shirt. Mackenzie Crites won the chuck-a-puck contest, earning a Rapids toque, and Charlene Weapenicappo claimed $1,462.50 as the 50/50 winner.

Season ticket holder Benoit Lachapelle was selected at random to win a special Rapids x CrossSmith Team puck.

Flag Bearers

A special thanks to Zach Gagnon, Emerson Cretes, Lyam Carriere, and Wyatt Stevenson for carrying the flags during the pre-game ceremony.

Game Sponsorship

A big thank you to our game sponsors: Alia Construction, Beausoleil Home Hardware, and Bellai Alliance! We appreciate your commitment to the team!

Acknowledging Our Volunteers

A huge thank you to all the volunteers who helped make this game a success. Whether it was with the arena or the Rapid, your hard work and dedication don’t go unnoticed! The list below is not all inclusive and only covers Rapids volunteers, apologies if we missed anyone:

  • Anthem Singer: Janet Egan
  • Announcer: Greg McLaughlin
  • Play by Play: Warren Stevenson
  • Online Scorekeeper: Rene Lachapelle
  • Visiting Team Liaison: Charlie Lauzier
  • 3 Stars of the Game Selected by: Darryl Mayer
  • Mascot Escort: Lynn Noel
  • Door Table: Shelley Merrifield & Jean Noel
  • Jersey Pickup: Selina McCambley & Kristin Jones
  • Season Tickets: Robyn Peck
  • Chuck-a-Puck Table: Megan Angus
  • 50/50: Patti McCaffrey, Tracey McLaughlin, Alexia Dalpe Peck, Cassidy Peck, Kiley Peck, and Madison Peck
  • Photographer: Lauralee Peck
  • Security: Low Fire Department
  • Gameday Operations: Mike Lachapelle & Cassidy Peck
  • Facilities: Scott Mahoney

The Rapids hit the road next Friday to face the Arnprior Rivermen for their home opener. Fans can catch the Rapids back at home on October 19th when they take on the Pontiac Comets in the highly anticipated “Battle of Quebec.” You won’t want to miss it!