By: Mason Detre
Ottawa, ON – The Ottawa West Golden Knights loss their second consecutive game by losing against the Casselman Vikings 6-3 on Sunday October 20th inside the Jr Brisson Complex.
Stef Mellios would get two goals to start the second period. One coming on the 5-on-3 power play and one on even strength. After Ottawa West gave up their first goal, they would capitalize on the power play off of Justin Graham’s shot from the point to regain their two goal lead 3-1.
With 4:30 left in the second, Ottawa West had their second 5-on-3 power play chance. They did capitalize but the goal was waived off because Sam Brown knocked it in by a high stick and the Golden Knights were not able to get a huge three goal lead. During the period, Head Coach Steve Sundin wanted to call a timeout with 1:02 left in the second, the referees didn’t allow after everyone was lined up to take the face off.
“I don’t know if it was a turning point but I just don’t understand it. I’m screaming off the top of my lungs for a timeout and as soon as the linesman blew his whistle you’re not allowed to call a timeout. I’ve never heard of that rule before but all have to check that one out,”said Sundin on the no timeout for Ottawa West.
The Vikings were able to get a late goal with 15 seconds left from Mathieu Talbot’s first of the game. It was 3-2 after two periods. Sundin said they really liked their first forty minutes in the game.
“I thought we played really well defensively and we took a lot of penalties in the first period. I think that taking a penalty wears you down and I can’t use the bench. We’re getting warn down and we’re blowing leads in the third period which we did tonight.”
In the third period, the Vikings were able to capitalize on three unanswered goals in the first five minutes of the period from Mathieu Talbot (2 G), Francois Drouin, and Mikael Houle. Casselman were able to lead 5-3. Jason Cossette (2 G) was able to capitalize on the empty net after Daniel Goulet couldn’t clear the puck from his own zone.
“I think were inexperience and the other thing is I don’t know if were in great hockey shape yet. We don’t seem to have that extra boost in the third period. I don’t really blame that, we just gave them three goals. You know with 15 seconds left in the second period goal, Brent kinda blew one by playing the puck which happens. I’m not blaming him and the Goulet couldn’t flip it high enough to get the puck out to put it in the empty net,” said Sundin on the third period.
The Casselman Vikings outshot the Golden Knights 31-29. Ottawa West also outshot Casselman 24-11 in the first two periods. In the loss, Stef Mellios also extended his point streak three games and has three goals in his last two games. Brent Pledge-Dickson made 25 saves on 30 shots in the loss.
Next game goes Thursday night inside the Barbara Ann Scott Arena when they take on the Perth Blue Wings. The Golden Knights have not beat Perth since the 2016/17 season when Ottawa West had only 7 losses in the regular season. You can catch the broadcast on mixlr.com/owgkradio or Hockey TV. Davide Disipio will have the call of the game. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:20pm.
