The Bears travelled to the CIH Academy on Sunday to battle the Rockland Nationals in a key game with playoff ramifications. At the start of the day the Nationals had a two point advantage on the Bears for the 8th and final playoff spot in the CCHL.
With a 3-2 loss to Rockland the Bears are not eliminated from playoff contention but face three crucial games to complete their regular season schedule.
The Bears gave up to quick goals in the 1st period to fall behind 2-0. Rockland scored at 3:14 & 4:49 of the opening period despite the Bears owning a 14-11 shot advantage.
Smiths Falls controlled most of the play in the 2nd period but they were outshot by Rockland 9-7 and fell behind 3-0 when the Nats scored at 12:07.
The Bears came out aggressively in the 3rd period and scored just 1:32 into the final period to give them some much needed momentum. Ethan Coltart scored his 5th goal of the year while Ryan Gibson & Kris Lalonde registered assists. Alex Di Carlo scored his 21st of the season and a nice individual effort to draw the Bears within a goal at 17:45 while the Bears were on the power play. Mitchell Larabie drew the lone assist. The Bears were unable to score the equalizer despite outshooting Rockland 13-1 in the final period. The Bears outshot Rockland 34-21 for the game.
DiCarlo was chosen the 2nd star of the game.
