67's Suffer First Loss of the Season to Petes in Home Opener
September 29, 2019 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Ottawa 67's News Release
OTTAWA - In front of an outstanding crowd of 5,732 fans, the Ottawa 67's raised a total of three banners up in the rafters inside The Arena at TD Place for their home opener. Last season's accomplishments of earning the Hamilton Spectator Trophy (regular season champions), the Bobby Orr Trophy (Eastern Conference champs) as well as the East Division titles, were honored in what was the Barber Poles' home opener, after they had won their opening three games of the season.
After a scoreless first period, things got interesting quick during the second. Peterborough's Nick Robertson opened the scoring 1:44 into the period, jamming a rebound after there had seemed to be contact with Ottawa goaltender Cedrick Andree. In the absence of suspended Marco Rossi, centerman Mitch Hoelscher stepped up in a big way, scoring his first of two goals during the game by directing a Noel Hoefenmayer shot past Hunter Jones. The Petes went on to regain their lead moments later, giving them their edge back. The 67's would be given a power play late in the second, and they capitalized on it. Hoelscher finished off a nice passing play set up by Jack Quinn to tie things up at two apiece with five minutes remaining in the second, making both teams head to the locker rooms evened up.
The 67's, who had won their first three games of the season in overtime or a shootout, went on to out-shoot the Petes 12-11 in this period, and looked to gain the lead during the whole time, but it was Peterborough's captain Zach Gallant who scored the game winning goal with seven minutes left in the game. The Barber Poles pushed hard for a tying goal, but were not able to do so, suffering their very first loss of the 2019-2020 OHL campaign.
Ottawa will be back on the road for three games this upcoming week, going up against the Windsor Spitfires on Thursday, the London Knights on Friday and the Kitchener Rangers on Sunday. They will be back inside The Arena at TD Place on Friday, October 11, when the Mississauga Steelheads are in town for the occasion.
GAME NOTES
- 67's Mitch Hoelscher made himself the first player to have a multi-goal game for Ottawa this season, with two goals against the Petes.
- Hoelscher was Ottawa's best player on the offensive side of the game in this one, as he also lead the team with four shots on goal.
- Barber Poles goaltender Cedrick Andree was solid on the afternoon, as he made a total of 30 saves in a losing effort.
- The 67's went 1/5 on the man advantage in this game, in comparison to Peterborough's 2/3.
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Ontario Hockey League Stories from September 29, 2019
- Generals Remain Undefeated in Home Opener against Frontenacs - Oshawa Generals
- Frappier Shuts out IceDogs in Spirit Debut - Saginaw Spirit
- IceDogs Point Streak Ends with Loss to the Saginaw Spirit - Niagara IceDogs
- Sting Fall Short of a Comeback in Flint - Sarnia Sting
- 67's Suffer First Loss of the Season to Petes in Home Opener - Ottawa 67's
- Rangers Lose in a Shootout to the Wolves, 5-4 - Kitchener Rangers
- Game Preview: Undefeated Gens Look to Continue Dominance against Frontenacs in Home Opener at 6:05pm - Oshawa Generals
- Preview: Spirit Host IceDogs, UAW Workers on Sunday Evening - Saginaw Spirit
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