Olympiques Outlast 67's in Chilly Outdoor Game

Published on December 19, 2017 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Ottawa 67's News Release

Olympiques Outlast 67's in Chilly Outdoor Game
(Ottawa 67's)

Despite the two teams doing battle in separate leagues, this interleague game had points up for grabs in each team's respective standings. For the 67's, the loss drops their overall record to 15-15-2-1.

The Olympiques got on the board first in the opening seconds of the second period. Shawn Boudrias advanced the puck in front of the Ottawa net, and dished a pass to Balmas for the game's first goal.

Kody Clark would even things up at 13:39 - he formed the Clark(e) connection, taking the pass from Graeme Clarke and rifling home the game's tying goal.

But the game wasn't tied for long, as Gatineau had a quick answer and re-took the lead again. Balmas notched his second goal of the contest by swiping at a loose puck in the slot to get it passed a sprawling Olivier Tremblay.

Ottawa continued to apply the majority of the pressure in the second frame, but couldn't get any opportunities to tickle the twine and the Olympiques kept their lead.

Gatineau had a goal disallowed, which kept the score close until the dying minutes of the game. Then, with five minutes to go, the Olympiques had a dagger come off the stick of Boudrias. A wrist shot from the right side that went off the far post and in for a 3-1 lead.

They would add a fourth goal - the third of the night for Balmas - to take the first leg of this rivalry set at TD Place.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

Head coach André Tourigny

On playing outdoors... "The ice was really really fast, it was hard to place the puck where you wanted to. There was a quick pace from behind the bench so it was really cool to have a chance to be there."

On traffic in front of the net... "It's a daily topic for us. We're not scoring enough goals and for me that's the most important point. Goalies around the world now are good. They're well trained, prepared, athletic - if they see every puck, you will score once, twice, or maybe three times if you have a really good game. You need to take their eyes away."

F Travis Barron

"That game was something me and my teammates won't forget for the rest of our lives. It was really cool to walk out and hear thousands of people cheering for an outdoor game."

On keeping a routine during a game with lots of TV timeouts... "It was better that way, because you talk to coach a lot more about what's going to happen on the next faceoff or who they're going to put out. So, it's better for us. You learn some more stuff and adapt to the game."

67's single-game tickets start at $12 and are available at Ottawa67s.com/Single-Game-Tickets, by calling 613.232.6767 or in person at The Box Office at TD Place. All minor hockey players part of the 67's Prospect Program get in for FREE.

Olympiques Outlast 67's in Chilly Outdoor Game

Ontario Hockey League Stories from December 19, 2017

• Bulldogs Unleash on Petes in Final Game Before Holidays - Peterborough Petes
• Olympiques Outlast 67's in Chilly Outdoor Game - Ottawa 67's

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Ottawa 67's Stories

• 2025 53rd Overall Pick Reid Hayes Commits to the 67's
• 2025 48th Overall Pick Cade Campbell Commits to the 67's
• Ottawa 67's Open 2025-2026 Training Camp
• Chris Barlas Released to the Saint John Sea Dogs
• Ottawa 67's Unveil 2025-26 Theme Games and Flex Packs Are Now Available