KINBURN – In unbelievable news, the Eastern Ontario Senior A Hockey League’s (EOSHL) West Carleton Rivermen have lost a game.

The Rivermen, the class of the EOSHL, had their first regulation loss of the season last week (Jan. 3) a 9-2 loss to the Cornwall Prowlers on the road at the Benson Centre. The loss was the powerhouse Rivermen’s (13-2-1) first regulation loss in 13 games dating back to the creation of the league. The team was riding a 10-game winning streak dating back to Oct. 12 when they lost 9-8 in overtime to Cornwall, (10-2-2) also at the Benson Centre.

Conrwall sits in second in the four-team league. Both West Carleton and Cornwall have 22 points, but a game in hand and a tie gives the Rivermen the top spot. Deseronto is in third with a 4-8-0-1 record and Maxville is looking way up with a 2-12 record.

The Rivermen aren’t sitting on their success. The team has been busy with player moves in the New Year. The Rivermen signed forward Brett Gustavsen. Gustavsen spent four years in the Ontario Hockey League with both the Ottawa 67’s and the Belleville Bulls and four years in CIS hockey with the Carleton Ravens.

“The Rivermen are thrilled to announce the signing of Brett Gustavsen,” owner/player Adrian Moyes released in a statement Jan. 7. “Brett made his Rivermen debut last Saturday and will dress for the remaining games of the season and playoffs.”

In his five years in the OHL, Gustavsen played 256 games scoring 52 goals and 141 points from 2010 to 2015. He finished his Carleton career in 2019 and had 40 points in 103 games.

The team also traded forward Brock Crossthwaite and the third overall pick in 2020 to Maxville in exchange for future considerations.

Tonight, (Jan. 10) the team is hosting Fan Appreciation Night at the Cavanagh Sensplex for their 8:30 p.m. game against the Millionaires. If 250 paid fans come to the game, the Rivermen will be raffling off a $250 gift card to the store of the winner’s choice.

The Ian Moyes Sales Representative – Royal LePage Team Realty Chuck-a-Puck Jackpot sits at $397.50.

“We hope to see all our amazing fans at the game supporting your local senior A hockey team on Friday night,” Moyes said.

Inferno making most of playoff push

CARP – The National Capital Junior C Hockey League (NCJHL) West Carleton Inferno wrapped up 2019 winning two of its last three games.

The Inferno had wins over the North Dundas Rockets (5-1) and the Morrisburg Lions. (5-2). The New Year has been a bit of a challenge as the Inferno lost 7-3 to the Morrisburg Lions on Jan. 4 and 6-1 to the Vankleek Hill Cougars on Jan. 5. After 25 games the Inferno sit at 6-19 and second last in the West Division. But there is lots of time to make the playoffs.

In the NCJHL the eight top teams make the playoffs regardless of division. As it sits now, all five East Division teams would make the playoffs. The Inferno are only six points behind the Metcalfe Jets who currently hold the last playoff position.

The Inferno hope to make some moves this weekend. The Inferno are on the road tonight (Jan. 10) taking on the league-leading Gatineau Hull-Volant (20-6) at the Robert Guertin Arena. Tomorrow (Jan. 11) the Inferno are back at home with a crucial four-point swing game against the Metcalfe Jets (8-15-2) with puck drop at 8:10 p.m. Five of the Inferno’s six wins have come at home. Carp’s Corey Symington continues to lead the team in points with 19 goals and 30 points.

“Lots on the line as these teams compete for a playoff spot,” owner and general manager John Miolta released in a statement. “This is a critical game for the Inferno as we battle for a playoff spot.”

During the Saturday game, the Inferno will be raffling off a draw for a group pass for laser tag courtesy of Laser Quest for anyone who brings an Inferno cheer posted to the game.