Jr. Senators even season series with 4-1 win over Hawks

Hawkesbury, ON – The Ottawa Jr. Senators (19-3-2) won their only game of the week, 4-1, on the road against the Hawkesbury Hawks.  

It was a battle between the CCHL Yzerman Division’s first and second-placed teams on Friday night, which saw the Junior Senators emerge with two points, extending their division lead to nine points over Hawkesbury.

Landon Brownlee opened the scoring for Hawkesbury with his 6th goal of the season, 4:08 into the first period. Despite outshooting Hawkesbury 11-6 in the opening period, Ottawa trailed 1-0 after 20 minutes of play.

Ottawa didn’t find the scoreboard until midway through the second period. Vincent Velocci deked his way behind the Hawks defence and beat Hawks goaltender, Emile Savoie, for a highlight reel worthy goal to even the score at the 11:00 mark.

James Taylor would extend the lead for Ottawa at the 16:21 mark of the second period, with his first career CCHL goal. Hawkesbury outshot Ottawa 10-7 in the second period, but Ottawa held the 1-goal lead after 40-minutes of play.

Ottawa extended their lead in the third period with a pair of powerplay goals. Bodie Nobes scored his 4th goal of the season at 8:47 of the 3rd period. Philippe Jacques scored his 15th of the season at 16:22. Jacques’ goal would end up being the final of the game, resulting in a 4-1 Ottawa win.

Thomas Freel picked up an assist on both 3rd period goals, extending his point streak to six games.

Ottawa outshot Hawkesbury 12-8 in the third period, and 30-24 in the game.

William Desmarais stopped 23 of the 24 shots he faced for Ottawa, including two key breakaway saves in the second period.

Ottawa’s powerplay went 2-for-4, while the penalty kill went 6-for-6.

Hawkesbury won the first meeting of the season series, 4-3, on October 29th. The season series is now tied at one game per team, with all three remaining games to be played at the Jim Durrell Recreation Centre in Ottawa.

The next game for the Ottawa Jr. Senators will be on Thursday night when they visit the 6-15-7 Cornwall Colts. Ottawa currently has a 3-0 lead in the season series. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 pm. You can catch the game on mixlr.com/ojsradio or you can watch on Hockey TV.