67’s double up 4-2 on Bulls

SMITH FALLS – Mike Vlajkov had a goal and an assist to lead the Ottawa 67’s to a 4-2 victory over the visiting Belleville Bulls.  It was their final game of the pre-season and they ended with a convincing record of 3-1-0. 

(Photo Credit: Sophie Desrosiers @SophDesrosiers)

The tryouts continued for many players still trying to crack the lineup.  With the likes of Sean Monahan, Joseph Blandisi, Ryan Van Stralen out of the lineup for the 67’s and Alan Quine, Jordan Subban and Brendan Gaunce out of the lineup for the Bulls – there was plenty of opportunity for them to prove why they should stay.

Taylor Fielding, one of the veterans, has taken a big step forward so far this pre-season.  His hard work was rewarded his with the game’s first goal and on the team’s first shot.  Fielding fired the puck top shelf before Charlie Graham could even react. 

The game started to get chippy shortly after with a lot of jabs and scrums after the whistles.  Most notable was when Jonathan Duchesne took exception to hit by David Tomasek on 1^st pick overall, Travis Konecny. The turn of events ended with 7 minutes in penalties penalty (2 for instigating, 5 for fighting, game misconduct) for Duchesne as Tomasek never dropped his gloves.  The 67’s were forced to kill off a full 7 minute which they did successfully.

The 67’s nearly went up 2-0 with seconds left in the period, but Graham came up with a huge poke check to keep the lead within 1.  The first period ended 1-0 Ottawa even though they were outshot 15-3. 

Rough play continued to boil over into the second period.  Six minor penalties were assessed within the first 17 seconds and had the two teams playing 3-on-3 hockey for just over a minute and a half.  This rare occurrence allowed for many scoring chances for each team forcing both Jacob Blair and Charlie Graham to come up with some big saves.

Belleville was finally able to solve Blair late in the second frame.  Scott Simmonds, showing great hand-eye coordination, tapped in a Jake Worrad point shot to get the Bulls on the board.  The 67’s would respond 40 seconds later to regain the lead.  After making two great saves with Brett Gustavsen on the door step, Graham let in a big slap shot from Mike Vlajkov who was left all alone out front.

After 40 minutes, the shots were 26-13 Belleville but the score was 2-1 Ottawa.

Early in the third, the Bulls tied it back up at 2.  Niki Petti picked up the puck and was able to get around Jacob Middleton by using some outstanding puck movement, he flipped in backshelf behind Blair in the 67’s net.

(Photo Credit: Mike Carroccetto @wildfiremike)

Brendan Bell would get the go-ahead goal 4 minutes later to give the 67’s a 3-2 lead.  Tyler Hill potted another goal to double up the score 4-2 and round out the scoring.

Shots ended 38-31.  Both goaltenders made some big saves, but it was Jacob Blair who stopped 36 of 38 shots to earn the third star of the game. 

These two clubs will continue to get ready for the season and meet again on opening night on Friday, September 20^th at the Canadian Tire Centre.

NOTES

• 67’s scratches:  Troy Henley, Ryan Van Stralen, Daniel Walsh, Nevin Guy and Dylan McDonald (Sean Monahan and Joseph Blandisi were at NHL camp)
• Bulls scratches: Alan Quine, Brady Austin, Brendan Gaunce, Jordan Subban and Luke Cairns 
• 67’s prospects Daniel Walsh was released by the team. Dylan McDonald was assigned to Cumberland in the CCHL.
• A couple ejections – Jonathan Duchesne, Trevor Dulong & Andrew Ming were thrown out of the game for fighting in a pre-season game.  Garrett Hooey was given a 5 minute spearing major and also tossed from the game.
• Jacob Middleton left the bench in the second period and did not return.  He was favouring his arm as he skated to the bench.  It appears someone’s stick hit him in the wrist.
• Brendan Bell, Tyler Hill and Taylor Fielding were the best players on the ice today.  Bell showing a high compete level at both ends of the ice.  Hill showing his puckhandling skills, strength on the puck and hockey sense.  Fielding showing his leadership and grade A effort.

LOCATION

Smith Fall Memorial Community Centre Arena

ATTENDANCE

847

SCORING SUMMARY

FIRST

Taylor Fielding (Andrew Abou-Assaly, Travis Konecny) at 7:30

SECOND

Scott Simmonds (Jake Worrad, Aaron Berisha) at 18:41

Mike Vlajkov (Brett Gustavsen, Brendan Bell) at 19:10

THIRD

Niki Petti (Jake Bricknell, Jake Worrad) at 17:20

Brendan Bell (Adrian Sloboda, Travis Konecny) at 13:40

Tyler Hill (Mike Vlajkov) at 10:10

THREE STARS

1. Mike Vlajkov (1 goal, 1 assist)
2. Niki Retti (1 goal)
3. Jacob Blair (36 saves)