Six goals scored during the second period set the tone for this year’s penalty-filled rivalry match
On Saturday, the Ottawa Gee-Gees faced off against the Carleton Ravens in the annual Colonel By Classic at TD Arena. The game was insanity in itself, heavy on penalties, and thrilling by the numerous attempts at goals.
The first period did not define the game, as there were no goals. However, it did help set the tone of the match because as soon as the puck dropped, the rivalry could be seen across the ice and the stands surrounding it. Sixteen minutes before the period ends, a fight erupted, and no power play seemed to be rewarded at the beginning, though it later became a power play for Carleton.
The power play activated Carleton’s offensive side and led to multiple attempts at a goal. However, Ottawa’s penalty kill held it together, reassuring and resetting the team at their turn on offence. Honorable mention to Ottawa’s defence showing immense tactics and skill after three power plays against them and ending the first period 0-0.
Adrenaline rushed through the locker room because, starting the second period, there was a power play that ended with forward Bradley Chenier putting the puck into the net and putting Ottawa up in the lead with a power play goal.
Unfortunately, it did not last long, as it was followed by a power goal by Oliver Castlemanduring Carleton’s power play, tying up the scoreboard 1-1. Another one fell within the power play, making Carleton the lead 2-1.
Gee-Gees rookie forward Andrew Belchamber showed his presence on the ice and made sure the Ravens’ lead didn’t last long with an impressive solo wrap-around goal, increasing the energy within the team and making the crowd stand up to rile the Gee-Gees even more. Additionally, Belchamber led the penalty kill and stayed crucial to the defence as well as the offence of the team, showing his versatility and skill.
Crowd enthusiasm is always important in a rivalry game, and Belchamber felt it, too. After being asked about the enthusiasm of the crowd on every block or shot he said in French, “It’s a bigger venue than we have played before, and the crowd was there.”
Continuously, off a good screen by Johnny Howie, Brendon Clavelle scored a power goal, his first of the season, as a snapshot from the blue line, raising the roof and putting the scoreboard on Ottawa’s side with a 3-2 scoreboard. 30 seconds left on the clock, and the Ravens bring it back to a tie with a wrist shot, prepping for an exciting start of the third period.
The third period bega, and before anyone had time to react, Carleton forward Reese Belton scored and upgraded the team’s position into a lead, forcing the Ottawa team to be more physical, aggressive and accurate in their decisions.
With a minute left in the third period, and two men down the garnet and grey called a time out to discuss tactics. Belchamber managed the unimaginable and proceeds to complete insanity with a three-on-five goal, tying the game and hopefully bringing an overtime. Five minutes left, and the Gee-Gees kill the penalty, reassembling the two players, making it five on five again.
When asked about how he felt about the goal and the game in general, Belchamber answered, “Well, I was happy to score, that’s for sure, and then we killed penalties afterwards, so we were looking for a point. You know, yes, we lost, but at the same time, we showed character at the end.”
Overtime began, and therefore, three on three were on the ice; however, Carleton decided it was time for the game to be over and showed off their moves with forward Gio Morneau going over one player and scoring the game finale, bringing this year’s Colonel By Classic to an end.
