Barber Poles set for rivalry clash in Kingston
The Ottawa 67’s (2-1-0-0) are in Kingston on Sunday evening, where they’ll meet the Frontenacs (2-2-0-0) for the first time in the 2024-25 season. Fans can see all of the action on Rogers TV or CHLTV, and hear Kenny Walls’ call on TSN 1200 at 4 p.m.
The Barber Poles played yesterday afternoon, when they took down the North Bay Battalion 6-3. Cooper Foster and Luca Pinelli did all of the scoring for the 67’s, potting a hat trick each, while Henry Mews noted a pair of assists.
In the victory, the 67’s converted on two of their three power play opportunities, but conceded on an equal number of their penalty kills, though one of the goals came on a five-on-three, and another while leading by three goals in the final moments of the game. Collin MacKenzie earned his first win of the season.
When the Kingston Frontenacs have won early this season, they have done it in blowout fashion. Their two wins have resulted in a 16-2 combined scoreline, while their losses have combined to be 8-4. They’ve won big, and lost close through four games, a trend that continued in their blowout win over the Battalion on Friday night.
In their 9-0 win last time out, 12 different Frontenacs put their name on the scoresheet, with eight finding the back of the net. Defenceman Emil Pieniniemi scored his first OHL goal, while fellow import Tuomas Uronen picked up a pair of assists. Jacob Battaglia asserted himself into the league lead in points with a four-point night, but has since been overtaken.
Last season, the Frontenacs dominated the season series with the 67’s, winning seven of the eight matchups, with Ottawa’s lone win coming in overtime.
What they’re saying
Cooper Foster, forward on how the 67’s will be successful: “The biggest thing is just competing for all three periods. If we play our best, and play to our structure, whatever happens will be good.”
Norm Milley, Assistant Coach, on the Frontenacs: “They’re very similar to us. They have a lot of skill, they’ve got a good back end, and they have guys that are game-breaking players. We know they’re going to be well-run. We know what to expect from them.”
By the numbers
| Ottawa 67’s | Player | Total | Kingston Frontenacs | Player | Total |
| Goals | Cooper Foster | 5 | Goals | Jacob Battaglia, Matthew Soto | 4 |
| Assists | Luca Pinelli, Henry Mews | 3 | Assists | Jacob Battaglia | 7 |
| Points | Luca Pinelli | 7 | Points | Jacob Battaglia | 11 |
| Powerplay goals | Luca Pinelli, Cooper Foster, Filip Ekberg | 1 | Powerplay goals | Jacob Battaglia | 2 |
| +/- | Luca Pinelli, Cooper Foster | +5 | +/- | Four tied | +4 |
Keys to the game
- Defensive discipline
The 67’s must continue to be aware in their own zone, and keep track of Kingston’s top threats away from the puck.
- Neutral zone
The 67’s made it hard to break into their zone yesterday against North Bay, and a repeat performance will help limit transitional opportunities.
- Stay out of the box
It’s obvious, but being in the penalty box against a power play with this many weapons is a recipe for disaster.
