Rye Stops 31, Picks up Assist in Loss to Bulldogs
On November 21, the Brantford Bulldogs made their way to Peterborough for a Thursday night matchup with the Peterborough Petes. It was Brantford’s first trip to the PMC this season, after winning the only other game between the two teams in a shootout on home ice in October. Former Pete Nick Lardis had been on a tear for the Bulldogs heading into the night, scoring six goals in his last two games. Easton Rye picked up his second straight start for the Petes, starting on home ice in his hometown for the first time in his OHL career.
Peterborough came out firing in the first, looking fresh after a six day break. Although the Petes controlled the game early, it would be Brantford getting on the board on their first shot of the game. After the Bulldogs took a 1-0 lead, Peterborough would fight back. Five minutes later, Jonathan Melee finished a beautiful pass from Ryder McIntyre to tie the game up at 1-1. The goal was Melee’s 99th career OHL point, putting him within one of the century mark. After one, the game would be tied, with Peterborough leading 15-6 in shots.
The Petes continued to control the game into the second. Despite Peterborough’s pressure, Brantford would once again take the lead off of a tough bounce. Late in the period, as the Petes were killing off a 5 on 3 power play, Gavin Bryant found himself on a shorthanded break away, narrowly missing the top corner as the Bulldogs held onto their lead heading into the third.
Nine minutes into the final frame, Aiden Young took advantage of a Petes powerplay, entering the zone and beating Bulldogs goalie Ryerson Leenders to tie the game at 2-2. Young’s goal put him tied for the team lead with Jonathan Melee at six goals a piece. Easton Rye picked up an assist on the goal in what was his first OHL point. After the goal, Brantford took control, they would take their lead back and score three times (including an empty netter) in the final nine minutes to win the game by a score of 5-2.
Aiden Young led the way for the Petes with a goal and an assist. Jonathan Melee scored, while Ryder McIntyre and Carson Cameron both picked up an assist. Easton Rye stopped 31/35 in the loss, picking up his first career assist in the process.
Game Recap:
First Period:
- Brantford Goal (3:06) – Aiden O’Donnell (3), Assists – Luca Testa (4), Tomáš Hamara (10)
- Peterborough Goal (8:30) – Jonathan Melee (6), Assists – Ryder McIntyre (2), Aiden Young (4)
Second Period:
- Brantford Goal (11:14) – Nikolas Rossetto (3), Assists – Joshua Avery (5), Aiden O’Donnell (1)
Third Period:
- Peterborough Goal (9:00) – Aiden Young (6), Assists – Carson Cameron (6), Easton Rye (1)
- Brantford Goal (11:40) – Calvin Crombie (2), Assists – Nick Lardis (10), Patrick Thomas (23)
- Brantford Goal (15:50) – Nick Lardis (21), Assist – Patrick Thomas (24)
- Brantford Empty Net Goal – Nick Lardis (22), Unassisted
The Petes are back in action on Friday, November 22, when they travel to Kingston to take on the Kingston Frontenacs. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at Slush Puppie Place. The game will be broadcasted on YourTV Peterborough and Freq 90.5.
