By: Ellie Hazelwood
The Ottawa West Golden Knights were back at the rink on Tuesday, January fourth, after winter break. The Knights travelled to the Earl Armstrong arena, and took on the Ottawa Junior Canadians.
The Golden Knights unfortunately fell short in a shootout, but the boys fought and worked hard, regardless of the end score.
Glimmers throughout the game consist of goals from Jason Ward, Will McCulligh, and two from Thomas Dickey. Dustin Riff stayed strong in net, with 29 saves. It was a nail-biter of a game.
Thursday, the Knights were back home at the Barbara Ann Scott Arena, and earned themselves a 4-2 win, against the Embrun Panthers.
The Golden Knights started off the first period with speed, as McCulligh hit the back of the net, just 16 seconds in.
“We needed a quick start after the last game. We didn’t come forth with the win that game,” McCulligh said. “So we had to get out, and establish the lead, and get the win tonight.”
The boys stayed strong, and held their 1-0 lead, throughout the period.
A few minutes into the second, McCulligh nailed another one, on the power play. Dominik Lemieux got one five minutes later, making it 3-0 for the Knights.
The score was 3-2 heading into the third, the boys never straying from their lead.
McCulligh scored in the third, to seal the deal for the Golden Knights, and on his third hat trick of the season.
“The first goal was probably my favourite. Just got the boys going right away,” McCulligh said. “Nice to get an early goal, especially because Steve (Sundin) wanted a quick start, so it was nice to get one in 16 seconds.”
It was a crazy game, and a big win for the Ottawa West Golden Knights.
Saturday night, the Golden Knights played their last game of the week, against the Glengarry Brigade.
The Knights dominated the game, winning 3-0, with goals from Dickey, McCulligh, and Justin Murdoch. Carter Overhoff was in net, and got his third shutout of the season.
There was big trade news going around on Saturday night too. The Golden Knights traded Gabriel Tremblay, Marcus Mazzuca, James Davidson, and Jacob Srdoc to the Embrun Panthers, for Max Shewfelt. The Knights also traded Jack Howell, and a PDF (Player Development Fee), to the Winchester Hawks for Gavin McCarthy.
Good luck to Tremblay, Mazzuca, Davidson, and Srdoc. Welcome to Shewfelt, and McCarthy.
It was an eventful week that ended with big wins, and crazy trade news, as the Ottawa West Golden Knights keep pushing towards their shining future.
