Smiths Falls Bears take early edge against Ottawa Junior Senators in Bogart Cup semifinals
SMITHS FALLS — The Smiths Falls Bears opened their Bogart Cup semifinal series with two wins over the Ottawa Junior Senators over the Easter weekend.
Smiths Falls advanced to the semifinals after sweeping the Brockville Braves in four games. The two teams finished the regular season nearly even, with Ottawa at 76 points and Smiths Falls at 75.
Friday night’s opener turned into a 4-3 nailbiter.
The Bears jumped out to an early lead with a power-play goal by Jackson Heron at 3:42 of the first period. Ottawa’s Wynston Iserhoff levelled the score at 6:40 of the second.
The pace picked up in the third period. Smiths Falls pressed forward with a goal by Luka Benoit at 5:31, followed by Caeden Heins at 11:16. Ottawa answered late, with Thomas Barney scoring at 19:27 and Raphael Tellier tying the game at 19:59.
The Bears regrouped in overtime, where Peyton Veltkamp scored the winner at 9:36 to secure the 4-3 victory.
Veltkamp earned first star honours, Heron was named second star, and Tellier received third star for Ottawa.
The series shifted to Ottawa on Easter Sunday.
Smiths Falls scored seven straight goals in a 7-2 win.
Luka Benoit opened the scoring just 12 seconds into the game. Jackson Heron followed with a power-play goal at 6:36, and Andrea Blais added another at 8:04.
Blais struck again at 6:34 of the second period, followed by Caeden Heins at 8:50. Benoit added his second of the game on the power play at 19:23.
Tyson Parker scored the Bears’ final goal at 1:24 of the third period. Ottawa recorded two late goals, with Clement Valette scoring at 11:53 and Raphael Tellier adding another at 14:26.
Benoit was named first star, Blais earned second star, and Valette received third star honours for Ottawa.
Game 3 is scheduled for Tuesday, April 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Smiths Falls Memorial Centre.
Keep connected to your community—Read the latest Smiths Falls news or check more Smiths Falls Bears game coverage.
