Ottawa, Ontario – The 2021-22 Eastern Ontario Junior Hockey League season officially got underway on Thursday night a Martin Division matchup between the Ottawa Jr. Canadians and Ottawa West Golden Knights. Tonight featured two Richardson Division matchup with Athens in Perth and Whitewater on the road against Arnprior, and then Embrun hosted Char-Lan in a Martin Division matchup.
Thursday: Ottawa West 3, Ottawa 1
The biggest story of this game was the debut for Ottawa West netminder Jordan Provost, who made 32 saves on 33 shots in his first regular season game as a member of the Golden Knights. Marco Haw scored the first goal for the Golden Knights and Anthony Tardioli gets his first career game winner in the first period. Sam Brown scores his 7th career EOJHL goal to add some insurance in the third period.
Liam Kelleher collected his first goal as a member of Ottawa in the first period. Connor Baillie makes 29 saves in his debut. Ottawa outshot Ottawa West 33-32.
Friday
Char-Lan 2, Embrun 1
Goaltending became a huge factor with Brennon Steeprock making 32 saves for his first career EOJHL win while Aidan Foley made 26 saves in the loss for Embrun. Devon St Jean scores the game winner early in the third and collected an assist on a goal from Hunter MacPherson. Shots in the game were 33-28 for Embrun and both teams were 0-for-5 on the power play.
Yanick Blanchard had Embrun’s only goal in the first period.
Perth 5, Athens 1
The Perth Blue Wings had a three goal third period to seal their first win of the year against Athens. Ben Langille collected a goal and two assists in his first game. Langille had seven points during the pre season. Lahaise scores twice while Anderson and Skopinski each collected 1G / 1A. Boyer had Athens only goal in the loss. Shots were 43-30 for Perth.
Matthew Maas makes 29 saves against his former team and Athens were 1-for-4 on the power play.
Arnprior 5, Whitewater 3
Jake Dhun scores the game winner with under four minutes left in the third and gives Arnprior their first win this season. Andrew Cuglietta leads his team with two goals and an apple for three points. Nolan McGregor also contributed with 1G / 1A. Brayden Prince is in his final season in the EOJHL and was able to make 35 saves on 38 shots.
Whitewater attempted to comeback down 3-0 during the game but it was cut short. Mathieu Paquin, Sean Tallon and William Roy each scored for the Kings. Shots were 42-38 for Arnprior.
