Johnston Stops 35/38 as 67’s Beat Petes in Ottawa

Photo: Tim Austen

After being shutout by the CHL’s number one ranked team on home ice the night before, the Peterborough Petes were right back at it in the Nation’s Capital for a Friday night battle with the Ottawa 67’s. The game was the first meeting between the two teams this season, with Ottawa coming into the night on a three-game losing streak. Peterborough native and first-year goaltender Masen Johnston was in net for the Maroon and White, making his second career start.

After only recording one shot on net in the first ten minutes, Peterborough would strike first halfway through the frame. After Ottawa misplayed the puck in their own end, Brennan Faulkner scooped it up, making a move and beating Jaeden Nelson to make it 1-0 Petes. Five minutes later, Peterborough doubled their lead on the power play. After hitting the post, Carson Cameron got the puck right back and beat Nelson five-hole to make it 2-0. Johnston had a very strong period in net for the Petes, stopping all 13 Ottawa shots and keeping the lead intact heading into the break.

A strong start to the second for the Petes would see them have multiple chances on an extended power play, Despite the strong play, Nelson made a couple of huge stops to keep the score at 2-0. Minutes later, Ottawa would get on the board, using their league leading power play to cut Peterborough’s lead to 2-1. Not done there, the 67’s struck again nine minutes into the middle frame, tying the game at 2-2. The game stayed tied heading into the third.

Just under six minutes into the third, Peterborough native Josh Brady beat Johnston on a slap shot to give Ottawa their first lead of the game. Johnston came up big for the remainder of the period to keep it a one-goal game, but the Petes were unable to tie it up. The 67’s added an empty netter with two seconds left to win by a score of 4-2.

Masen Johnston led the way for the Petes in his second career start, stopping 35/38 in the loss. Brennan Faulkner and Carson Cameron both scored, while Jonathan Melee and Colin Fitzgerald each had an assist.

Game Recap:

First Period:

• Peterborough Goal (10:34) – Brennan Faulkner (2), Unassisted
• Peterborough Goal (15:29) – Carson Cameron (4), Assists – Jonathan Melee (5), Colin Fitzgerald (5)

Second Period:

• Ottawa Goal (6:15) – Brady Stonehouse (3), Assists – Cooper Foster (10), Henry Mews (21)
• Ottawa Goal (9:07) – Will Gerrior (10), Assist – Matthew Mayich (13)

Third Period:

• Ottawa Goal (5:46) – Josh Brady (2), Assists – Matthew Mayich (14), Chris Barlas (7)
• Ottawa Empty Net Goal – Caden Kelly (4), Assists – Chris Barlas (8), Kohyn Eshkawkogan (8)

The Petes are back in action for Faith and Family Day presented by Life 100.3 on Sunday, December 1, when they host the Niagara IceDogs. Puck drop is scheduled for 2:05 p.m. at the PMC. Limited tickets for the game are still available by clicking here, calling (705) 743-3561, or by visiting the Grant Thornton Box Office during business hours. The game will also be broadcasted on YourTV Peterborough and Freq 90.5.