Braves Come from Behind to Win 3-2 Over Kemptville Friday Night in CCHL – VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

By Whit Prophet

Brockville – The Brockville Braves delighted coaches Matt Ward & Rob Kennedy and their faithful fans with an early Christmas Present on Friday night with a huge come-from-behind victory of 3-2 over the Kemptville 73s in the CCHL.

Franki Valli and the Four Seasons had it right: “Oh, what a night, Late December back in twenty-three”

Captain Culhane notched all 3 goals for the Braves and was selected first star. But he wasn’t alone, Owen ” Mandrake The Magician” Watson picked up assists on the first two of those goals.

Culhane’s 3rd goal was a solo effort which saw him burst in from the right side and notch the winner as he slid past Biron in the 73’s net.

Watson’s pair of apples allowed him to vault into 3rd place in league scoring, pretty good for a guy on the lowest-scoring team in the CCHL.

Once again it was a solid team effort as I think Coach Matt Ward had his charges fired up for this one after the game in Kemptville last Sunday.

It was not an easy victory. The hard-luck 73s were missing high-flying Ty Whyte (18 goals in 19 games), they also had a goal waived off and hit a couple of goalposts. From a fan’s perspective, it was a great game.

On the other side of the coin, after the game, my group of long-toothed friends, cognizant of the January 10th trade deadline, were wondering about the fate of our 20-year-olds. Will they be traded to a contender and allow them to finish their junior career in a meaningful cup chase?

December has seen the team begin to turn things around. In the four Friday home games this month the team has treated their fans to 3 wins and an overtime loss. They garnered their first road victory this month.

Despite the team’s standings in the Robinson Division, they lead the entire league in most overtime games, five!

We wish the players, their families and fans a merry Christmas and Happy New Year. see you in January.

Game Video Highlights:

Game Recap:

1st Period:
No Scoring.

Penalties:
O’Doherty Kem (slashing), 18:06.

2nd Period:
1, Kemptville, Trottier 6 8:57 (PS). 2, Brockville, Culhane 15 (Coyle, Watson), 16:32 (PP). 3, Kemptville, Rutley 4 (Melvin), 19:02.

Penalties:
served by Rutley Kem (too many men), 8:13; McNally Bro (unsportsmanlike cnd., hooking), 8:57; Eccleston Bro (hooking), 9:50; O’Doherty Kem (goalie interference), 15:11.

3rd Period:
4, Brockville, Culhane 16 (Watson, Biniaris), 6:39 (PP). 5, Brockville, Culhane 17 16:37.

Penalties:
McDougall Kem (tripping), 4:47; Esposito Bro (slashing), 8:04; Bennett Kem (slashing), 17:51.

Shots on Goal:
Kemptville 7-13-7-27. Brockville 14-10-6-30.

Power Play Opportunities:
Kemptville 0 / 3; Brockville 2 / 5.

Goalies:
Kemptville, Biron 12-12-1-0 (30 shots-27 saves). Brockville, Riff 2-3-0-0 (27 shots-25 saves).