RECAP: The Frontenacs season comes to an end with 4-1 series defeat
Story of the Game: On Friday, April 5th, the Kingston Frontenacs embarked on a crucial journey to North Bay, eager to prolong their playoff series with the Battalion at the iconic North Bay Memorial Gardens. Despite their hopes, the Frontenacs encountered a formidable challenge in igniting their offensive prowess. Unfortunately, their aspirations were dashed as they succumbed to a 5-1 defeat at the hands of the North Bay Battalion.
Despite their valiant efforts, the Frontenacs were unable to muster the offensive firepower needed to overcome their adversaries. With this defeat, the best-of-seven series concluded decisively with a 4-1 victory in favor of the Battalion, marking the end of the Frontenacs’ playoff journey and their elimination from the postseason.
Scoring Summary:
1st Period
KGN 0, NB 0
In Game 5, the Frontenacs and Battalion battled through a scoreless first 20 minutes. Both starting goaltenders, Mason Vaccari and Mike McIvor, demonstrated sharp reflexes when tested. Vaccari thwarted 11 shots, while McIvor faced 5, including two high-quality chances by Gage Heyes and Paul Ludwinki within the initial 5 minutes of play. Kingston encountered penalty trouble in the first period, with two infractions including a too many men penalty and a late tripping call on Jax Dubois. This gave North Bay a power play opportunity on fresh ice to kick off the second period.
2nd Period
KGN 0, NB 1
0:48 Justin Ertel (2) – Dalyn Wakely, Sandis Vilmanis
With North Bay starting the second period on the power play, they didn’t take long to strike. Just 48 seconds into the period, Justin Ertel knocked a rebound shot of Wakely out of the air and past Mason Vaccari.
KGN 0, NB 2
11:00 Justin Ertel (3) – Wyatt Kennedy, Sandis Vilmanis
The Battalion took a 2-0 lead on a harmless shot from the point in which Ertel got a stick on it to tip home his second goal of the game.
KGN 0, NB 3
18:10 Paul Christopoulos (1) – Andrew LeBlanc
In the closing minutes of the second period, Paul Christopoulos received a pass from Andrew LeBlanc and confidently beat a sprawling Vaccari to extend the North Bay Battalion’s lead, giving them a commanding advantage to end the second period.
3rd Period
KGN 0, NB 4
9:38 Ty Nelson (3) – Sandis Vilmanis, Owen Van Steensel
North Bay’s offensive firepower proved too much for the Frontenacs in Game 5, as Ty Nelson unleashed a rocket from the point on the power play to extend their lead to 4-0 over the Black and Gold.
KGN 0, NB 5
10:24 Owen Van Steensel (2) – Jacob Therrien
Van Steensel further widened the gap for the Frontenacs, scoring his second goal of the playoffs and pushing the Battalion’s lead to 5-0.
KGN 1, NB 5
15:02 Jacob Holmes (2) – Paul Ludwinski
The lone bright spot in the game occurred when overage defenseman Jacob Holmes scored, breaking Mike McIver’s shutout attempt. It marked Holmes’ second goal of the playoffs and served as a fitting capstone to his OHL career.
As the final whistle echoed through the arena and the clock signaled the end of the game, the Kingston Frontenacs’ season drew to a close, marked by a hard-fought 4-1 series defeat at the hands of the North Bay Battalion. Despite their unwavering determination and relentless efforts, the Frontenacs ultimately fell short in their quest for postseason glory.
In the midst of the disappointment, the Frontenacs took a moment to extend heartfelt congratulations to their overage players, Jacob Holmes, Roman Schmidt, and Jax Dubois, who concluded their illustrious OHL careers on this bittersweet night. These seasoned veterans have been integral parts of the team, embodying leadership, resilience, and dedication throughout their time with the Frontenacs.
As they bid farewell to the OHL and embark on new chapters in their hockey journeys and life endeavors, the Frontenacs organization and fans alike offer their sincerest well-wishes to Holmes, Schmidt, and Dubois. May their paths be filled with success, fulfillment, and countless memorable moments, both on and off the ice.
