By: Ellie Hazelwood
The Ottawa West Golden Knights were working over time this week, as they brought both games to extended time.
The Golden Knights kicked off their week, on Thursday, in Casselman.
The Knights unfortunately fell 2-1, in a shootout, but they battled back, and pushed extended time, after a goal from Will McCulligh.
Dustin Riff’s strong performance between the pipes was another glimmer in the game. Riff kept the boys in it, making 39 saves, and helping them fight for overtime.
The boys lost in the shootout, but they worked hard to come back, and push for that shootout. Hard work makes for a great game, no matter the end score.
Saturday night, the Golden Knights were back at it, in Glengarry, against the Brigade, at the Char-Lan Arena. Not only that, but it was the Moms’ trip, which added an extra layer of energy and excitement to the game.
Jason Ward hit the back of the net for the boys, opening the scoring, over halfway through the first period.
Carter Overhoff made an insane save on a Brigade breakaway, to keep the Knights up 1-0, at the end of the first. Overhoff continued to stay strong throughout the game.
The Brigade got two in a row in the second period, but the Golden Knights responded with a goal from Dom Lemieux, after a beautiful set up from McCulligh and Seamus Lockhart.
The Brigade were playing a physical game, but the Knights weren’t letting anything get under their skin.
“The other team’s physical play definitely woke us up early,” Lockhart said. “Definitely got us to start keeping our heads up, but keeping composure as well.”
It remained tied, 2-2, from the end of the second, to the end of the third period.
The game was off to overtime, once again.
Lockhart nailed the game winning goal, just two minutes into OT. He slammed into the glass in front of the Moms in celebration, as they erupted in cheers.
“I focused on breaking the puck out first, and then I saw Weido win the battle in the corner,” Lockhart said. “I crept into the slot, he fed me an unreal pass, and I took my shot when it felt right.”
It was a huge goal, and an exciting win in front of the Moms.
Two hard fought battles, and over time work for the Ottawa West Golden Knights, makes for a great and entertaining week.
