Pinelli unleashes the bears in 67’s close loss to Colts

Despite a 2-1 loss at the hands of the Barrie Colts, it was a fun afternoon for the Ottawa 67’s, who collected teddy bears for a good cause.

Right off the hop, it was clear the atmosphere between the two clubs was tense, even though they don’t see much of one another. A tight-checking period resulted in little offence, leaving the fans itching to toss their bears through the intermission.

Early in the second, the Colts broke the deadlock on the power play, with Cole Beaudoin beating Jaeden Nelson over the shoulder with a perfectly placed shot. The Barber Poles — undeterred by the goal against — took advantage of a power play opportunity of their own.

For the first time in franchise history, there was a repeat Teddy Bear Toss scorer, as Luca Pinelli blasted a one-timer home from the top of the circle just under 10 minutes into the frame. Bears flew while chaos ensued on the ice, but the teams headed to the locker rooms still tied up at one.

Under five minutes into the game’s final stanza, Grayson Tiller scored what went on to be the game-winner, despite a dogged effort from the Barber Poles to claw their way back late in the contest.

Box score

First period

No scoring

Second period

1-0: BAR #29 Cole Beaudoin (13) scores. Assists: #28 Emil Hemming, #86 Beau Akey POWER PLAY

1-1: OTT #20 Luca Pinelli (21) scores. Assists: #29 Cooper Foster, #11 Henry Mews POWER PLAY

Third period

2-1: BAR #8 Grayson Tiller (6) scores. Assists: #71 Bode Stewart, #21 Riley Patterson

Next up

The 67’s have some time before their next game. They are back in action on Friday night against the Peterborough Petes inside The Arena at TD Place. Tickets are still available here.