Recorder & Times Staff
The home team capitalized on its early opportunities.
The Brockville Braves scored two power-play goals in the first period on their way to a 4-2 win at home against the Rockland Nationals on Friday night. The victory evened the Braves’ record at 7-7.
Colin Elliott’s third goal of the season gave Brockville a 1-0 lead 90 seconds into the game. After Rockland was assessed the first of two high-sticking double minors in the opening periods, Aidan Yarde scored his fifth goal of the year at 5:02. Nicolas White cut the lead in half on a breakaway at 11:40 for his 10th goal of 2022-2023, but Luke Tchor netted his ninth of the season at 18:10 to make it 3-1.
The Braves took a three-goal lead at 8:53 of the middle frame on Kewin Belsterling’s second goal of the year. Charles Locas scored the Nationals’ second goal about a minute later.
Rockland pulled its goalie twice late in the third but was unable to score.
Brockville outshot the Nationals 31-21. Philip Rondina picked up the win in net for the Braves; Ben Grahame made 27 saves for Rockland.
Yarde was named first star. Second star went to Brockville captain Thomas Haynes, who picked up an assist Friday night. The third star was Zach Power of the Nationals.
Memorial Centre attendance was listed at 516.
The Braves return to action in Ottawa on Sunday afternoon. Brockville will take on the Nepean Raiders (3-8-0-2) at 2:30.
Elsewhere in the CCHL Friday night, the Smiths Falls Bears won their 11th game of the season with a 4-1 victory at home over Pembroke. Sean James scored his league-leading 16th goal, which ended up being the game-winner in the second period. Will McEvoy made 26 saves in net for the Bears.
In Kemptville, the 73’s were edged 5-4 in overtime by the Navan Grads. Kemptville netminder Jacob Biron made 38 saves and was named first star. The 73’s (5-6-3-0) will visit Rockland (7-5-1-1) on Sunday afternoon.
Original Story at Recorder.ca
