By: Ellie Hazelwood
The Ottawa West Golden Knights were back to pre-season action on Labour Day. They took on the Carleton Place Canadians in the Barbara Ann Scott Arena.
The Golden Knights opened the scoring just a few minutes in, from another new face, Gabriel Haughn. Less than a minute later, Will McCulligh hit the back of the net for his Birthday goal.
Action for the Knights started just 21 seconds into the next period. Evan Kay nailed his first goal of the pre-season.
Unfortunately, the Canadians pulled ahead after that. However, the boys still worked and fought hard, never giving up, all the way until the end of the third.
The Golden Knights hit the ice again on Wednesday, at the Barb, against the Richmond Royals.
The Knights opened the scoring, halfway through the first period, on the Powerplay with a goal from Kay.
The second period, there were no goals, but heading into the third was when things became a nail biter.
Gavin McCarthy scored 30 seconds into the third, for the boys, and the Royals responded a few minutes later.
The Royals unfortunately pulled ahead, but it was a close game, as the Knights only fell short by one.
The boys were back at it the next day, facing the Glengarry Brigade.
There were no goals in the first period for either team.
Down by one ending into the third, the Golden Knights kept pushing, and never gave up.
The Brigade got another one in the third, but Jason Ward hit the back of the net for the boys less than a minute later.
The Knights ended the third period, down two, in the last game of the pre-season.
There were definitely some challenges this pre-season, and some changes to be made, but there is still so much belief in this time.
“I think we have to play harder going into the regular season,” McCulligh said. “We’re pretty soft right now, we seem to be scared of contact. Get some of the younger guys used to it. We should be fine, just gotta play harder, in our own zone, too.”
The boys will be okay. Those changes will be made. There is faith in this team, because they always overcome the challenges thrown their way.
It’s onward, and upward, for the Ottawa West Golden Knights.
