Thrilling Comeback Gives First Place Mariners Another Win

A pair of quick goals late in the third period lifted the Manotick Mariners to a thrilling come-from-behind 4-3 win over the Paugan Falls Rapids in their Senior A hockey game at the Mike O’Neil Arena at the Manotick Community Centre.

The win improved the Mariners’ record to 5-2-0, and they sit in first place in the Eastern Ontario Super Hockey League’s Capital Division. The Mariners have a perfect 5-0-0 record at home, but on the road, they have lost both of their games.

The Mariners grabbed a 1-0 lead in the first period when Daniel Iasenza scored from Nicholas Hamre and Spencer Gallant. The Rapids responded with a pair of goals before the end of the period to take a 2-1 lead. Cole Peck scored a power play goal and then Alex Lafreniere scored late in the period for Paugan Falls.

After a scoreless second, Jonathan Desbiens scored in the first minute of the third period for Manotick with Tyler Melvin picking up the assist.

The Mariners had a chance to take the lead as they were on a power play, but a turnover led to an unassisted shorthanded goal by Garth McLaughlin to give the Rapids a 3-2 lead.

The Mariners peppered shots at Rapids goalie Malcolm Patry, outshooting the visitors 21-9 in the third period. They finally got through with the tying goal with 2:39 left when Jeff Hayes scored from Ryan Lough and Brett Gustavsen.

The Rapids got a break with just over two minutes remaining when Manotick’s Jacob Giacobbi was sent off for tripping. But as has been the case all year, the mariners special teams came through. Brett Gustavsen scored a shorthanded goal from Ryan Lough and Spencer Gallant to give the Mariners lead. From there, the penalty killing unit took over. Goalie Berk Berkeliev hung on for the win.

The previous Saturday, the Mariners were in Chesterville and lost to the North Dundas Rockets 3-2.

The Rockets outshot the Mariners 49-25, but Berkeliev made 46 saves to keep his team in the game.

Gustavsen scored both Manotick goals while Ryan Lough and Jonathan Cyr earned assists. Mitchell Gibson, Michael McNamee and Marco Azzano scored for North Dundas.

The Mariners host Paugan Falls again Saturday, Nov. 16 at 7:30 in Manotick. On Sat., Nov. 23, they visit the Arnprior Rivermen at the Nick Smith Arena for a 5:30 p.m. face off.

Featured image: Liam Dennison and the Manotick Mariners sit in first place in the Eastern Ontario Super Hockey League Capital Division.