RECAP: Kingston fights tooth and nail, but fall to Oshawa 5-3
Your Kingston Frontenacs kicked off another two game weekend on Friday night as they welcomed in East Division rival Oshawa Generals into Leon’s Centre for the fourth and final time for this regular season. Oshawa comes in having won the previous matchup between the two sides, walking away with an 8-2 victory a few weeks back. The black and gold look to get back to their winning ways as they welcome back captain Paul Ludwinski to the lineup after serving a two game suspension.
The Frontenacs once again started off on the wrong foot, giving up yet another goal within the first five minutes of the game; this one coming off the stick of Calum Ritchie (18) after a turnover in the Fronts defensive zone.
Kingston took that early Oshawa goal as a wakeup call, as they were quick to respond thanks to Luke McNamara getting his 7th of the season to even the game up at 1-1. Generals forward Luke Torrance failed to clear the puck from behind his own net and McNamara cleaned up the loose change with a wraparound goal.
The Frontenacs kept their foot on the gas as they created plenty of chances, with the go-ahead goal coming off the stick of Tyler Hopkins 13:58 into the first. Hopkins corralled a loose puck as he entered the Generals zone and unleashed a laser that went off the crossbar and into the top corner of the net to get his fourth of the season.
Having entered the second period down a goal, you could expect a determined Generals side to come out of the dressing room. Just 2:48 into the middle frame, Rasmus Kumpulainen (20) scored on a man advantage for his team to even the game up at 2-2.
Not satisfied with just one, the Generals would take the lead off a quick passing play that was finished off by Luke Torrance (13). The third year forward fired a fast shot in between the body and left arm of Mason Vaccari, making it a difficult shot to stop for the Fronts netminder.
Kicking off the third period, the Frontenacs needed a spark. The black and gold had the Generals hemmed in their own zone but Jacob Oster stood up to the task between the pipes, shutting down any chance that Kingston had. After a key save from Oster, the Generals would capitalize on the other end after an offensive zone faceoff. The puck found its way onto Tyler Graham’s stick (4) and he beat Mason Vaccari on the backhand to double the lead for Oshawa, making it a 4-2 game.
The home side wouldn’t go quietly however, as with just under ten to go in the third period Adam Cavallin found Gage Heyes in the slot for a one-timer that beat Jacob Oster clean to bring the Fronts within a goal. Heyes’ 9th of the season came at a clutch time, and would provide a much needed burst of momentum heading down the stretch.
Kingston had a powerplay opportunity late in the game, but the Generals defense and Oster shut the Fronts down. Later on with Mason Vaccari on the bench for the extra attacker, a fanned pass led to Oshawa going the other way and Matthew Buckley (23) getting the insurance marker to seal the win for the Generals; leading his side to a 5-3 victory.
Next Home Game:
Sunday, February 4th, 2024
Kingston Frontenacs vs. Peterborough Petes
Leon’s Centre | 1:00pm Puck Drop
Sunday Funday
The Kingston Frontenacs are excited to host another Sunday Funday event on February 4th, as they gear up to face their division rivals, the Peterborough Petes. Join us for a day of family-friendly fun with engaging activities on the main concourse before and during the game. Don’t miss out on the excitement!
