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TROIS RIVIERES, Quebec – Jake Smith scored a powerplay goal early in the second that proved to be the difference as the Ravens took a 2-1 decision over the UQTR Patriotes.
“I thought through 40 minutes we were the stronger team,” Ravens head coach Shaun Van Allen said following the game. “That’s a huge win tonight but it looks like McGill won tonight so, this was a big two points for us as we try to keep fighting for home ice in the playoffs.”
The Ravens got on the board first with a power play goal when they made a tic-tack-toe passing play from Brogan O’Brien (Prince George, BC) to Jake Smith (Oshawa, ON) to Alex Boivin, who chipped the feed from Smith over Patriotes goalie Sebastien Auger.
The Patriotes responded with a goal from Christophe Boivin when the Patriotes sped into the Ravens zone two-on-one and Boivin beat Ravens starting goalie Francois Brassard up over the blocker.
Early in the second period, the Ravens entered the UQTR zone on an odd man rush and Smith used his teammates as a decoy before fouling Auger with a wrist shot up over his blocker.
With the goal and the assist Smith continued to add to his team lead in points notching his 17th goal and 15th assist.
The Ravens have a quick turn around with a second game against the Patriotes tomorrow at 3 p.m.
Tomorrow’s game is unique for the OUA as it will be played outdoors.
“It’s all new to everybody,” Van Allen said of the game. “We want to enjoy it but, in the end,, we still have to play hockey.”
When asked about specific things the team will have to be aware of tomorrow Van Allen pointed to the elements.
“For the player, it will be dealing with the cold. Whichever team can deal with that better will probably win the hockey game. See what the ice conditions are, but not make excuses because they will be the same for both sides. It will a once in a lifetime experience for our guys playing at this level, so let’s enjoy it.”
RAVENS PLAYER OF THE GAME:
#8 Jake Smith–Forward– 1st year – Oshawa, ON
UP NEXT: Carleton vs. UQTR Patriotes
Saturday, February, 2-3 p.m.
Saint-Tite – Trois Rivières, QC