Colts Shut Out 67’s in 4-0 Victory
Sunday afternoon in the nation’s capital, the Barrie Colts spoiled the Ottawa 67’s home opener as the Colts won 4-0. It would be the second win of the season for the Colts, while the 67’s fall to 0-3 on the season.
Although the 67’s would outshoot the Colts 44 to 33 through 60 minutes, the Colts would have three different goal scorers find the back of the net, while Mackenzie Blackwood notches his first shutout of the season.
Andrew Mangiapane had three points on the night, including a power play goal, empty net goal and an assist. Cordell James and Kevin Labanc would each score their first goals of the season along with an assist. Justin Scott and Michael Webster had two assists on the night, while Rocky Kaura also added an assist.
The opening period of the game would end in a scoreless draw, as neither team could find the back of the net. In goal for the Colts, Blackwood made spectacular saves, sliding into the splits at numerous times to prevent goal scoring opportunities for the 67s.
With 1:20 left in the first period, the Colts headed on a 5 on 3 power play when the 67’s were given two minor penalties. Despite getting chances early in that power play, the Colts wouldn’t be able to put one past Herbst in goal for the 67’s.
But in the opening minute of the second period, still on the 5 on 3 man advantage, the Colts were able to break the scoreless tie when Cordell James would put home his first goal of the regular season. Mangiapane got the puck on the point and ripped a slap shot on net. James found the rebound in the slot and put home a backhand shot with just one second left on the 5 on 3 power play. Webster also assisted on the power play goal, giving the Colts a 1-0 lead.
With five minutes left in the 2nd period, 67’s Jeremiah Addison broke into the Colts zone but was awarded a penalty shot after being taken down in front of Blackwood. On the penalty shot attempt, Blackwood was able to follow Addison’s fake and shut the door hold on to the 1-0 lead.
The Colts would extend their lead with 2:40 left in the 2nd period when Scott came out of the corner and fed Kaura on the point. Kaura’s point shot was blocked in the slot by a 67’s defenseman, but the rebound went right to Labanc on the far circle where he made no mistake and scored his first goal of the season.
Early in the third period with the Colts on the penalty kill, Nevin Guy would have a point black shot in the slot, but Blackwood would flash the leather and rob Guy with a quick glove save to keep it a 2-0 game for the Colts.
Only 5 minutes into the 3rd period, the Colts would make good on their fifth power play opportunity of the game. Scott would break down the left side and cut hard to the net, feeding Mangiapane on the doorstep. Mangiapane would tap in his first goal of the game to extend the Colts lead to 3-0. Labanc also had an assist on the Colts third goal.
In the last minute of the game and the 67’s with the extra attacker, Mangiapane would add to the Colts lead when scored his second of the game on an empty net goal.
The line of Mangiapane, Scott and Labanc would combine for seven points on the night. This is also the second game in a row where Blackwood has faced over 40 shots on net. In Sunday’s game, Blackwood faced 44 shots, while he faced 45 shots Friday night against the Frontenacs. The Colts went 2 for 5 on the power play and held the 67’s to 0 for 7 on the penalty kill.
Thursday, October 1st, the Colts return to Barrie for their home opener as they welcome the Sarnia Sting to the BMC. For tickets to the home opener, click here or visit the BMC box office.
