What began as one of the most unusual playoff weekends in franchise history ended with one of the proudest performances the Paugan Falls Rapids have ever delivered.
After Saturday night’s Game 1 in Manotick was halted due to unsafe ice conditions following a broken section of boards at the Mike O'Neil Arena, the remainder of the game was completed Sunday afternoon at the Gatineau Valley Arena, followed immediately by Game 2 of the best-of-three series against the Manotick Mariners.
By the end of five grueling periods of playoff hockey, the Rapids’ season had come to a close — but not without a fight that will be remembered for years to come.
When play resumed Sunday afternoon, the Rapids faced a 3–0 deficit with plenty of time remaining — and belief in their dressing room.
Midway through the third period, they broke through.
At 7:45, Dylan Chamberlin flew down the boards and sent a puck hard to the net. Mathieu Menard was in the right place at the right time, burying the feed to cut the deficit to 3–1 and breathe life into the building.
The Rapids pushed. They created chances. But they were unable to capitalize further. An empty-net goal from Gregg Burmaster sealed the 4–1 final for Manotick.
Despite the loss, Aidan Foley was spectacular between the pipes. The Rapids netminder stopped 41 of 45 shots, posting a .918 save percentage and giving his team every opportunity to claw back into the game.
If Game 1 showed resilience, Game 2 showed heart.
Short-staffed and fatigued after nearly five consecutive periods of hockey, the Rapids delivered arguably the most impressive performance in franchise history.
The adversity began late in Game 1 when Cole Peck was forced to leave with an injury. Ric Shin shifted back to defense to fill the void, and the group forged ahead.
Despite missing players and dealing with heavy legs, the Rapids committed to sound defensive hockey, finishing hits and battling for every inch of ice.
The breakthrough came at 12:55 of the first period. Carter Peck flew up the left side, beat two Mariners wide with speed, found himself on a 2-on-1, and ripped a shot top corner to give the Rapids a 1–0 lead. Assists went to Conor Ali and Ric Shin.
Manotick answered late in the first to tie the game and added two in the second to take a 3–1 lead.
But the Rapids refused to fade.
Logan Beaupre wired a shot on a 3-on-3 rush off a slick feed from Ryan Peck to bring the team back within one.
Then came one of the most emotional moments of the season.
On the power play in the third period, Sam McLaughlin appeared to tie the game. The crowd of over 400 erupted inside the Gatineau Valley Arena — only for the goal to be waved off for reasons unknown, much to the disbelief of everyone in attendance.
The Rapids continued to push until the final seconds, nearly jamming home the equalizer in the crease with 30 seconds remaining. But the final horn sounded on a 3–2 Mariners victory.
Once again, Aidan Foley was outstanding. He stopped 41 of 44 shots for a .932 save percentage, earned First Star honors, and was named Rapids Player of the Game for both contests.
As the team gathered at center ice, the crowd rose to its feet in a standing ovation — a powerful show of appreciation for a group that left everything on the ice.
If there was ever a reminder of what makes this organization special, Sunday was it.
With less than 24 hours’ notice following Saturday’s stoppage, over 400 fans packed the Gatineau Valley Arena to support the team in one of the most unique playoff situations in franchise history. The energy was relentless from puck drop to final horn — especially after the waved-off goal that nearly blew the roof off the building.
Selina and Jan McCambley delivered a powerful national anthem that set the tone for the afternoon, while Bailey Short and Griffin Passmore proudly carried the flags at center ice.
Derek Mahoney went home with the $1,122 50/50 prize, and Bruce Daly claimed Chuck-a-Puck honors — but the biggest win of the afternoon was the atmosphere itself.
Even in defeat, the building stood. A full-arena standing ovation echoed through the rink as the players saluted the crowd — a moment that perfectly captured the connection between this team and its community.
That support never goes unnoticed.
With the series loss, the Rapids have officially been eliminated from playoff contention, bringing the 2025–26 season to a close.
But what this group accomplished should not be overlooked.
From the first puck drop of the season to a hard-fought 3–2 playoff battle against an 18–2 Manotick team, the growth was undeniable. The team improved dramatically as the season progressed, building structure, identity, and belief.
Playing one-goal hockey against one of the league’s top teams is a testament to that progress.
This season was built on commitment — from players battling through injuries, to volunteers working tirelessly behind the scenes, to sponsors who continue to invest in the organization, to arena staff who make every event possible, to the coaching staff who guide the group daily, to Ronnie Rapid for bringing energy and fun to every night, and to the countless volunteers involved along the way.
Most importantly, thank you to the fans — you showed up, you were loud, you believed in this group until the final whistle, and that standing ovation on Sunday said everything about what this community means to this team.
While the on-ice chapter has closed for now, the Rapids community will gather once more this season at our Annual Banquet in mid-April at the Heritage Hall in Low(date to be announced).
The evening is a celebration of reflection and recognition — awards, memories, stories from the season — followed by live music, catering, and one big party to cap it all off.
More information on ticket availability will be released in the coming weeks.
The 2025–26 season may be over.
But the pride, the growth, and the momentum carry forward.
Thank you, Rapids Nation.
We’ll see you in April. 🌊
NPHL