ROUND 1, GAME 2 RECAP: 67’s clinch second win over Frontenacs
The Ottawa 67’s pick up the second game and win of the series against the Frontenacs, winning 4-3 in regulation.
“I think we played great,’ said Fetterolf. “We expected them to come out harder, and we expected them to change some things.”
“We started really strong, kept it through,” said Vandenberg, “There was a little push back from Kingston, which was totally expected, but way to stick with it at the end.”
Game 2 would start much like Game 1, with some fracas that would put Ottawa on the penalty kill twice early in the game; however, the Barber Poles would remain unscathed. Yet it would be Kingston who would get on the board first, from regular-season point leader Alex McLean. Despite the deficit and the two penalties, the 67’s would lead Kingston in shots 7-4 after the first half of the period. The discipline issues would continue with an offensive-zone penalty off the draw. The penalty kill would continue to flourish, stripping Kingston of the puck in the offensive zone and shutting them down from entering Ottawa’s zone.
“It’s the best time of the year,” said David Bedkowski. “The games feel a little different; you feel the momentum shifts, and just the significance of every little play is magnified.”
The 67’s would finally get to give Kingston a taste of their own medicine, with Nic Whitehead drawing a call on a breakaway. Thomas Vandenberg would rip the puck through the slot and past Frontenac’s keeper Gavin Betts to tie the game.
Once the seal was broken, the 67’s would continue to overpower Kingston offensively, with Jasper Kuhta giving Ottawa the 2-1 lead into intermission, outshooting Kingston 19-4.
“It’s been building all year,” said assistant coach Paul Stoykewych of the penalty kill. “We’ve given up the least amount of goals in the entire CHL; our defensive buy-in has been there pretty well since Day 1.”
“Coming into playoffs, everything is a little quicker, a little tighter; every 50 battle becomes that much more important.”
The 67’s would continue to pressure the Frontenacs, holding Kingston to without a shot for a span of 15 minutes since their first goal. Ottawa would explode for back-to-back goals with markers from Ottawa-natives Shaan Kingwell and Thomas Vandenberg’s second of the night.
The power play was on fire, going two for two.
“There haven’t been too many new plays or new areas of the game that you have to learn, just total chemistry with the group,” said Vandenberg. “We’ve been playing with each other for a while, I think we are at a point where everyone is clicking with each other.”
“It’s totally huge, I think this is the best room I’ve ever been a part of,” said Vandenberg of the chemistry. “You want to come into the rink and go to war with these guys.”
The 67’s penalty kill would remain spotless, too, with another test mid-way through the second, causing Kingston to bring out Matthew Minchak for Gavin Betts. Ottawa would finish the period leading the Frontenacs 31-12.
“In the playoffs now, it comes down to really three things: goaltending, five-on-five and special teams,” he said. “When you play a physical, hard, aggressive style, there’s gonna be times you take penalties.”
“The penalty kill is so blue collar,” said Stoykewych. “You don’t get the big goal, the celebrations; it’s hard work, and it’s paying off so far.
The 67’s would once again go on the penalty kill, but this time, the Frontenacs would score off of a tipped shot in front. Kingston would use the goal to try and swing momentum, getting a couple of rushes offensively; however, Ryder Fetterolf would make a spectacular split save before stuffing the rebound with his side. However, the Frontenacs would add another, courtesy of Alex Misiak, to cut the lead to one. Bedkowski would land a massive open-ice hit, trying to swing momentum back in Ottawa’s favour as they tried to cling on to the lead.
“It’s super important,” said Bedkowski about his physical presence. “That is the playoffs; the physical aspect and wearing teams down over the course of the seven-game series.”
The Frontenacs would pull the goalie and try for one last push, but Ottawa would hold on for the 4-3 victory and 2-0 series lead.
After an up-and-down first game, the 67’s once again entrusted Fetterolf with the reins in net, proving invaluable in key moments in the 22-save victory/
“Obviously, the games are a lot better; there’s a lot more on the line,” he said. “Just sticking to my game, not treating it’s a much bigger deal.”
“We’re content with two wins,” said Stoykewych. “This time of year, it’s the end result that really matters.”
“Gotta give credit to our guys, we have very little OHL playoff experience,” said Stoykewych. “They’re diving all in… it’s great seeing guys step up, some guys you expect to really step up.”
“Obviously, there’s a process and a way to do it, but at the end of the day, I am happy we walked away with two home wins.”
Box score
| Teams | Score | Shots on goal | Power plays |
| Ottawa | 4 | 42 | 2/2 |
| Kingston | 3 | 25 | 1/5 |
First period
#19 Alex McLean (1) scores. Assists: #18 Jack Dever, #9 Kieren Dervin
#37 Thomas Vandenberg (1) scores. Assists: #19 Kohyn Eshkawkogan, #10 Nic Whitehead
#22 Jasper Kuhta (1) scores. Assists: #16 Nic Sima, #38 David Bedkowski
Second Period
#11 Shaan Kingwell (1) scores. Assists: #37 Thomas Vandenberg, #4 Kaleb Dietsch
#37 Thomas Vandenberg (2) scores. Assists: #10 Nic Whitehead, #22 Jasper kuhta
Third Period
#41 Aleks Kulemin (1) scores. Assists: #27 Vann Williamson, #19 Alex McLean
#86 Alex Misiak (1) scores. #10 Tomas Pobezal
Up next
The 67’s head on the road to Kingston, clashing Tuesday, March 31st, 2026 at 7:05 p.m. for Game 3 of Round 1 of the 2026 OHL Playoffs presented by Nissan.
