GAME RECAP: Nelson, Vandenberg stun in shootout, securing nine straight wins
New year, same results as the Ottawa 67’s continue their now-nine-game win streak with a win over the Oshawa Generals on New Year’s Day.
To start the game, things didn’t look easy for the 67’s with the Oshawa Generals getting on the board just 30 seconds into the game courtesy of Harrison Franssen. However, the 67’s would bounce back, with Filip Ekberg tallying the game-tying goal halfway through the period and the team outshooting Oshawa 14-4 after 20.
While Ottawa’s defense has been rigid all season, both teams’ offenses got out of hand in the second. Spencer Bowes would net one for Ottawa to take the lead, before Generals’ import Vadim Smirnov would even the score 2-2. The second period would see both teams combine for 32 shots, with Oshawa getting the edge with 18. Ultimately, both Ottawa’s Jaeden Nelson and Oshawa’s Jaden Cholette put up valiant efforts, helping keep their teams in the nailbiter.
After the second intermission, both teams locked each other down. Each team would swap chances in bunches, but they were few and far between. The 67’s would lead the Generals 39-29 in shots before heading into the shootout. The second period would only provide an appetizer to the goalie showdown in the shootout. Both goaltenders would stone the first five attempts straight. However, it would be 2026 NHL draft-eligible Thomas Vandenberg who would break through in the sixth round for Ottawa. Oshawa was given one last chance to stay in the game, which Jaeden Nelson would deny to secure the team their first win of 2026.
Box score
| Teams | Score | Shots on goal | Power plays |
| Ottawa | 3 | 39 | 1/5 |
| Oshawa | 2 | 29 | 1/5 |
First period
#12 Harrison Franssen (14) scores. Assisted: #96 Owen Griffin
#34 Filip Ekberg (13) scores. Assisted: #8 Frank Marrelli, #10 Nic Whitehead
Second Period
#12 Spencer Bowes (9) scores. Assisted: #17 Brock Chitaroni, #25 Zach Houben
#29 Vadim Smirnov (6) scores. Assisted: #10 Brooks Rogowski, #96 Owen G riffin
Third Period
Up next
The Barber Poles head to Kingston to face the Frontenacs at 7:05 PM.
The 67’s remain on the road until the 16th, where they’ll return to host their cross-provincial rivals, the QMJHL’s Gatineau Olympiques, for the first game in the Battle of the Ottawa River series. Fans can buy tickets to the game here.
Jacob Titus
Writer, Ottawa 67’s
