LAURIE WEIR
The Smiths Falls Bears suffered a 4-1 loss to the Pembroke Lumber Kings on Friday night in Central Canada Hockey League action at the Smiths Falls Memorial Community Centre.
The Bears struck first, with Gus Rabe netting his first goal as a Bear in the opening minute. Kyle Dagg and Kyle James earned assists on the early marker.
Pembroke responded late in the first period when Liam Cardiff scored on the power play to tie the game. The Lumber Kings then took control in the second period, with Alyandro De Lion and Jeremie Ndeffo scoring to give the visitors a 3-1 lead heading into the final frame.
Eric Barnard sealed the win for Pembroke with an unassisted goal at 18:21 of the third period, making it a 4-1 final.
Pembroke goaltender Michael Modelski earned first-star honours with a 26-save performance. Rabe, with his debut goal for Smiths Falls, was named second star, while Barnard’s strong showing earned him third star.
Bears goalie Ethan Morrow made 18 saves in the loss.
The setback drops Smiths Falls to 10th place in the league standings and fifth in the division, two points shy of a playoff spot.
The Bears are back in action this week with a pair of home games against the Rockland Nationals on Tuesday, Jan. 21, and Friday, Jan. 24. Both games are set for 7:30 p.m.
Photo credits: Chris Uhlig.
