Athens Lost 5-4 in OT Wednesday Night in Game 3 in Renfrew

Renfrew Win Series 3-0 and Advances!

Renfrew – Renfrew punched its ticket to the Richardson Division Semi-Finals in dramatic fashion, edging Athens 5–4 just 22 seconds into overtime to complete a 3–0 sweep of the best-of-five Wild Card series.

The Timberwolves dominated early, erupting for three first-period goals in just over four minutes. Parker Evans opened the scoring on the power play off a feed from Blake Egan and Liam Haggerty. Seconds later, Nathan Pederson doubled the lead before Haggerty added another to put Renfrew firmly in control.

Renfrew extended the lead in the second when Ricky Wilson scored to make it 4–0, but Athens refused to go quietly. Cameron Kelly sparked the comeback with back-to-back goals — the second coming on the power play — before Jack Jansen narrowed the deficit to one late in the period.

The Aeros completed the rally in the dying minutes of regulation when Ryan Obre found the equalizer at 17:43 of the third, forcing overtime and briefly silencing the Renfrew crowd.

That silence did not last long however.

Ian Burnett ended the series almost immediately in the extra frame, finishing a pass from Evans to seal the win and send Renfrew through to the next round.

Dylan Elliott earned the victory in goal with 31 saves, while Nicholas Periard made 33 stops in the overtime loss.

Renfrew sweeps the series 3–0 and advances to face #1 seed Arnprior in the Richardson Division Semi-Finals.

“A heartbreaking finish to an incredible comeback effort. This team showed what Athens hockey is all about — resilience, pride, and refusing to quit. Down 4-0 on the road and pushing it to overtime speaks volumes about the character in that room.” said the Athens Aeros on their Facebook page.

“To our players — we are proud of you. To our fans — thank you for the unwavering support all season. To our volunteers and sponsors — this organization runs because of you. The series may be over, but the heart shown in Game 3 won’t be forgotten.”

Game Summary:

1st Period:
1, Renfrew, Evans 3 (Egan, Haggerty), 12:15 (PP). 2, Renfrew, Pederson 1 (Hodgson, Vereyken), 12:32. 3, Renfrew, Haggerty 1 (Egan, Elliott), 16:21.
Penalties-Tornberg Ath (tripping), 11:44.

2nd Period:
4, Renfrew, Wilson 2 (Hodgson, Egan), 6:38. 5, Athens, Kelly 1 (White, Merkley), 13:07. 6, Athens, Kelly 2 (White, Merkley), 14:49 (PP). 7, Athens, Jansen 1 (Palmer), 17:00.

Penalties-Vereyken Ren (interference), 3:13; Dixie Ath (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 6:38; Markwick Ren (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 6:38; Hodgson Ren (tripping), 10:28; Fleury Ren (hooking), 11:28; McGlade Ath (slashing), 11:40; Egan Ren (slashing), 14:43; Poulin Ath (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 20:00; Evans Ren (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 20:00.

3rd Period:
8, Athens, Obre 2 (Kelly), 17:43.

Penalties-No Penalties

1st OT Period:
9, Renfrew, Burnett 1 (Evans), 0:22.

Penalties-No Penalties

Shots on Goal:
Athens 14-10-10-1-35. Renfrew 15-12-10-1-38.

Power Play Opportunities:
Athens 1 / 4; Renfrew 1 / 2.

Goalies:
Athens, Periard (38 shots-33 saves). Renfrew, Elliott (35 shots-31 saves).