Galley joins Nepean ranks
Second stint for rookie netminder
Malcolm MacMillan
Fresh off a successful stintwith the Jr. B Carleton Place Kings, goaltender Wyatt Galley was signed by the Raiders late this week. He'll replace Morgan Barr, who was sent to Carleton Place, as the backup for Darren MacDonald.
Galley played three games for the Raiders earlier in the season, posting a record of 0-1-1 with a 3.59 goals-against-average and a .900 save percentage.
To read more about the transaction, please see this Sunday's Raider Nation program which will also feature the in-depth story about new head coach Gerard Cowie.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Overtime heartbreaker for Raiders
Club gives up late tying goal, loses in extra frame
Malcolm MacMillan
A day before they named a new head coach for the remainder of the 2007-2008 season, the Nepean Raiders showed that a shake-up was needed, dropping a 5-4 decision in overtime on Dec. 9.
The Robinson Division-leading Cumberland Grads handed Nepean its second overtime loss of the season, dropping the club’s record to 19-10-2-2.
And though the Raiders record has them just six points behind the league-leading Pembroke Lumber Kings, the next couple weeks will do a lot to dictate in which direction the team is heading.
The Raiders play Pembroke twice before Christmas, and also square off against 22-8-2-0 Brockville and 15-14-1-0 Hawkesbury before the holiday break.
“We just have to continue to stay positive and support each other,” said assistant coach Peter Howes.
Nepean surrendered leads three times against the Grads, who pushed overtime after a late timeout call by head coach Mark Grady. The coach’s set plan caught the Raiders on their heels, and Grads leading scorer Jason Akeson buried a shot between Nepean’s Darren MacDonald and the post on the short side.
Thirteen seconds into overtime, Akeson’s line clicked again. Eric O’Dell fired a shot along the ice that eluded MacDonald and beat the goalie through the legs.
“They’re a good team,” Howes said of Cumberland, “but I thought we deserved a better fate for the way we competed.”
At times, the Raiders execution was flawless: finishing checks, capitalizing on chances around Grads goalie Matt Fiander and firing from all angles. Other times, Nepean failed to get the puck out of its own end and left Cumberland attackers alone in the slot.
The Grads first and second goals came as a result of Nepean players letting Grads shooters get open. The last three goals were shots that MacDonald probably would want to have back.
Things weren’t helped from the get-go, as the Raiders dressed only 10 forwards and five defencemen. Each of the team’s affiliated players had games with their regular teams and could not dress for Nepean.
The bench got even shorter midway through the first period when winger Stephen Miles was forced out of the game after re-aggravating an upper-body injury.
Forwards Shane Bakker and Ben Sexton, as well as defencemen Greg Eskedjian and Scott Dawson were all sidelined with a variety of long- and short-term ailments.
“The injuries are to some of our energy players who help put us over the top,” said Howes.
As is the case most of the time, the Nepean offence was clicking.
Stephen Miles picked up his seventh goal of the season, a hard-working score, by swiping at a loose puck to the right of Fiander. After Cumberland tied the score, Nepean’s Stephen Mele banged home the puck from point-blank range. And later, with the score 3-2 in favour of the Grads, the Raiders responded twice in a six-minute span.
Captain Andrew Mather won a battle on the side boards and blasted a shot past Fiander, then after Mather got knocked off the puck, Emmond Bell pounced on the disc and beat Fiander from the circle.
NEWS AND NOTES
* Winger Brandon Edge returned to action last week with a full cage after being cut for more than a dozen stitches in a game against Kanata. Edge suffered a high stick that clipped him under the eye and on the eyelid. The infraction went uncalled.
* Newly acquired forward Jeff Christison brought plenty of energy to the ice on Sunday, throwing a thunderous, open-ice body check early in the game to set a physical tone for Nepean. Corey Domenico was again one of the Raiders top hitters in the contest.
Club gives up late tying goal, loses in extra frame
Malcolm MacMillan
A day before they named a new head coach for the remainder of the 2007-2008 season, the Nepean Raiders showed that a shake-up was needed, dropping a 5-4 decision in overtime on Dec. 9.
The Robinson Division-leading Cumberland Grads handed Nepean its second overtime loss of the season, dropping the club’s record to 19-10-2-2.
And though the Raiders record has them just six points behind the league-leading Pembroke Lumber Kings, the next couple weeks will do a lot to dictate in which direction the team is heading.
The Raiders play Pembroke twice before Christmas, and also square off against 22-8-2-0 Brockville and 15-14-1-0 Hawkesbury before the holiday break.
“We just have to continue to stay positive and support each other,” said assistant coach Peter Howes.
Nepean surrendered leads three times against the Grads, who pushed overtime after a late timeout call by head coach Mark Grady. The coach’s set plan caught the Raiders on their heels, and Grads leading scorer Jason Akeson buried a shot between Nepean’s Darren MacDonald and the post on the short side.
Thirteen seconds into overtime, Akeson’s line clicked again. Eric O’Dell fired a shot along the ice that eluded MacDonald and beat the goalie through the legs.
“They’re a good team,” Howes said of Cumberland, “but I thought we deserved a better fate for the way we competed.”
At times, the Raiders execution was flawless: finishing checks, capitalizing on chances around Grads goalie Matt Fiander and firing from all angles. Other times, Nepean failed to get the puck out of its own end and left Cumberland attackers alone in the slot.
The Grads first and second goals came as a result of Nepean players letting Grads shooters get open. The last three goals were shots that MacDonald probably would want to have back.
Things weren’t helped from the get-go, as the Raiders dressed only 10 forwards and five defencemen. Each of the team’s affiliated players had games with their regular teams and could not dress for Nepean.
The bench got even shorter midway through the first period when winger Stephen Miles was forced out of the game after re-aggravating an upper-body injury.
Forwards Shane Bakker and Ben Sexton, as well as defencemen Greg Eskedjian and Scott Dawson were all sidelined with a variety of long- and short-term ailments.
“The injuries are to some of our energy players who help put us over the top,” said Howes.
As is the case most of the time, the Nepean offence was clicking.
Stephen Miles picked up his seventh goal of the season, a hard-working score, by swiping at a loose puck to the right of Fiander. After Cumberland tied the score, Nepean’s Stephen Mele banged home the puck from point-blank range. And later, with the score 3-2 in favour of the Grads, the Raiders responded twice in a six-minute span.
Captain Andrew Mather won a battle on the side boards and blasted a shot past Fiander, then after Mather got knocked off the puck, Emmond Bell pounced on the disc and beat Fiander from the circle.
NEWS AND NOTES
* Winger Brandon Edge returned to action last week with a full cage after being cut for more than a dozen stitches in a game against Kanata. Edge suffered a high stick that clipped him under the eye and on the eyelid. The infraction went uncalled.
* Newly acquired forward Jeff Christison brought plenty of energy to the ice on Sunday, throwing a thunderous, open-ice body check early in the game to set a physical tone for Nepean. Corey Domenico was again one of the Raiders top hitters in the contest.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
New Raiders head coach Gerard Cowie gets caught up withcaptain Andrew Mather during practice on Monday afternoon.
Another Cowie joins Raiders
Gerard named new head coach
Malcolm MacMillan
Gerard Cowie was named the Nepean Raiders third head coach of the season on Monday afternoon, and team management hopes he'll be the piece of the puzzle that will bring another championship to town.
Gerard named new head coach
Malcolm MacMillan
Gerard Cowie was named the Nepean Raiders third head coach of the season on Monday afternoon, and team management hopes he'll be the piece of the puzzle that will bring another championship to town.
Cowie, whose sons Matt, Scott and Craig have each played with the Raiders after coming up through the Nepean Minor Hockey Association, will be counted on for his calming influence and experience behind the bench.
Cowie has won several championships in his nine seasons as a head coach in Nepean minor hockey.
Matt, who was a two-time captain in Nepean and has had his number retired, is playing NCAA hockey on a scholarship. Scott is currently with the OHL's Ottawa 67's and Craig is an affiliated Raider who's played two games with the big club this season.
Matt, who was a two-time captain in Nepean and has had his number retired, is playing NCAA hockey on a scholarship. Scott is currently with the OHL's Ottawa 67's and Craig is an affiliated Raider who's played two games with the big club this season.
"We needed a structured, calming and intelligent leader after all that's gone on and Gerard fits that description," says Raiders GM Rob Black.
Cowie is looking forward to getting started.
"I like what I've seen out there," he says. "A little more effort on everybody's part, and we'll have a good run."
For the whole story, please pick up Raider Nation at Sunday's game.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Big announcement this afternoon
Malcolm MacMillan
A day after dropping a heartbreaker in overtime to the Cumberland Grads, the Raiders will make a major announcement this afternoon regarding a new head coach.
Check back tomorrow to find out what went down and who will lead the Raiders through the remainder of the 2007-2008 CJHL season.
Malcolm MacMillan
A day after dropping a heartbreaker in overtime to the Cumberland Grads, the Raiders will make a major announcement this afternoon regarding a new head coach.
Check back tomorrow to find out what went down and who will lead the Raiders through the remainder of the 2007-2008 CJHL season.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Mele on RN cover 
New York import Stephen Mele will have his story told in Raider Nation this Sunday. In his first year with the Raiders, Mele has impressed with his great speed, scoring touch and smart hockey sense.
Just how does a kid from The Bronx, where baseball and basketball are the sports of choice, end up playing Jr. A hockey in Nepean?
And why has he taken just two minor penalties this season?
It's all in this Sunday's Raider Nation.
New York import Stephen Mele will have his story told in Raider Nation this Sunday. In his first year with the Raiders, Mele has impressed with his great speed, scoring touch and smart hockey sense.
Just how does a kid from The Bronx, where baseball and basketball are the sports of choice, end up playing Jr. A hockey in Nepean?
And why has he taken just two minor penalties this season?
It's all in this Sunday's Raider Nation.
Cross clicking
Has found a home in Cornwall
Malcolm MacMillan
Nepean native Damian Cross' goal for Cornwall last night in a 5-3 upset over Brockville is his fourth in four games with the Colts, who acquired Cross for former Raider Nathan Slack a couple weeks ago.
Cross, who began his CJHL career with the Raiders, was traded to Ottawa late last season and put up 17 points in as many games with the Jr. Sens this season. After being traded, and subsequently refusing to report to Kanata, Cross was dealt to Cornwall.
He's played well there, also adding three assists for seven points. Slack, meanwhile, played one of his best games all season in his Kanata Stallions debut. The centre scored a shorthanded goal and added an assist in a 5-4 loss to the Raiders.
Has found a home in Cornwall
Malcolm MacMillan
Nepean native Damian Cross' goal for Cornwall last night in a 5-3 upset over Brockville is his fourth in four games with the Colts, who acquired Cross for former Raider Nathan Slack a couple weeks ago.
Cross, who began his CJHL career with the Raiders, was traded to Ottawa late last season and put up 17 points in as many games with the Jr. Sens this season. After being traded, and subsequently refusing to report to Kanata, Cross was dealt to Cornwall.
He's played well there, also adding three assists for seven points. Slack, meanwhile, played one of his best games all season in his Kanata Stallions debut. The centre scored a shorthanded goal and added an assist in a 5-4 loss to the Raiders.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Webley finds groove
Centreman has three goals in three games
Malcolm MacMillan
Former Raiders centre Michael Webley is fitting in well with the Ottawa Jr. Senators.
After being traded across town in late November for veteran Jeff Christison, Webley has scored three times in three games with the Jr. Sens. He's benefitting from plenty of ice time - something he didn't see in Nepean, given the Raiders depth at forward.
Webley scored one goal in a 5-3 win over the Kemptville 73's on Nov. 30, his first game with Ottawa, and provided all the offence with two more last night in a 5-2 loss to Pembroke.
In 18 games with Nepean, he managed just one goal.
All the best to Webley in the remainder of the season in Ottawa.
Centreman has three goals in three games
Malcolm MacMillan
Former Raiders centre Michael Webley is fitting in well with the Ottawa Jr. Senators.
After being traded across town in late November for veteran Jeff Christison, Webley has scored three times in three games with the Jr. Sens. He's benefitting from plenty of ice time - something he didn't see in Nepean, given the Raiders depth at forward.
Webley scored one goal in a 5-3 win over the Kemptville 73's on Nov. 30, his first game with Ottawa, and provided all the offence with two more last night in a 5-2 loss to Pembroke.
In 18 games with Nepean, he managed just one goal.
All the best to Webley in the remainder of the season in Ottawa.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Mr. Automatic
Barber setting offensive career highs
Malcolm MacMillan
Going into the season, Nepean's Brad Barber would most likely be described as a stay-at-home defenceman.
Reliable and physical on the blue line, Barber hadn't been the type to take offensive chances going into this, his third year in the league. He went goalless in 2005-2006 and 2006-2007. One goal in last year's playoffs was the sole time Barber had lit the red light in his CJHL career.
But Mr. Stay-at-Home has quickly evolved in Mr. Offence.
He scored twice in two 2007-2008 preseason games, and that offence was a sure sign of things to come.
After denting the twine in just the second game of the season, Barber went through a dry spell before exploding in late November. In the last six games, Barber has six goals - including a pair scored Dec. 4 in Kanata. Four of his tallies have come on the power play, and the 1988-born Nepeanite leads the team's defencemen in scoring by a mile.
There's no question that Barber is enjoying his best stretch of hockey in the CJHL, and it's the Raiders who are reaping the rewards.
Barber setting offensive career highs
Malcolm MacMillan
Going into the season, Nepean's Brad Barber would most likely be described as a stay-at-home defenceman.
Reliable and physical on the blue line, Barber hadn't been the type to take offensive chances going into this, his third year in the league. He went goalless in 2005-2006 and 2006-2007. One goal in last year's playoffs was the sole time Barber had lit the red light in his CJHL career.
But Mr. Stay-at-Home has quickly evolved in Mr. Offence.
He scored twice in two 2007-2008 preseason games, and that offence was a sure sign of things to come.After denting the twine in just the second game of the season, Barber went through a dry spell before exploding in late November. In the last six games, Barber has six goals - including a pair scored Dec. 4 in Kanata. Four of his tallies have come on the power play, and the 1988-born Nepeanite leads the team's defencemen in scoring by a mile.
There's no question that Barber is enjoying his best stretch of hockey in the CJHL, and it's the Raiders who are reaping the rewards.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Power play nets five in Raiders win
Club bounces back after 10-4 drubbing
Malcolm MacMillan
The Nepean Raiders rebounded into the win column on a snowy Dec. 2, beating up on the Kemptville 73’s 7-3 two days after an embarrassing 10-4 defeat at the hands of the Smiths Falls Bears.
Though the Raiders performance was far from flawless – their execution Sunday wouldn’t have allowed them to beat any of the top teams in the league – it delivered a win against the 7-18-1-3 73’s squad.
Still, the two-point performance keeps Nepean on pace five points behind league leaders Pembroke and Brockville, which each won on Sunday.
The Raiders, at 18-10-2-1, have put up good numbers in the face of myriad off-ice developments this season. Since opening day, the club has said goodbye to two head coaches. Eight players off that inaugural roster are no longer with the club.
“We’ve gone through some shaky times but the team is coming together,” said defenceman Tyler Hinds, who notched a pair of second-period goals against Kemptville.
Hinds scored on the power play and at even strength – the latter the only non-special teams goal scored by Nepean during the game.
Nepean scored three power-play goals by the 11-minute mark of the first, and later added a couple more markers with the man advantage. Emmond Bell supplemented the scoring with a shorthanded tally late in the second frame.
“I expected to win, but before we get ahead of ourselves, we have to execute,” said coach Peter Howes. “It comes down to making plays … and we’re still tired and banged up.”
But Nepean’s power play, which has struggled at only a 17 per cent efficiency this season, was a force on Sunday.
Greg Eskedjian picked up his first goal of the season on a blast from the point early in the first, and after Kemptville’s James Craig was assessed a five-minute major and game misconduct for an elbow to the head of David Gervais, the Raiders capitalized twice more on the power play.
Blueliner Brad Barber, enjoying his best offensive weeks of his Jr. A career, scored his third goal in as many games on a slap shot from the top of the circle, then Stephen Miles one-timed a pass behind former teammate Alexandre Beaudry from the edge of the crease. Both goals were scored during the major to Craig.
Winger Miles said the team is relaxed under Howes.
“You know if you make a mistake he’s not going to sit you for the whole game,” said Miles. “He’s a guy who tells you what’s wrong and lets you go out and try to fix it.”
Miles, a skilled and tough player, was obviously confident on the ice, adding two assists and jawing at Kemptville players after whistles.
Though the 73’s scored single goals in each period – the first on a pass to Tim Hennessey alone in the slot, the second a deflection off a skate in front and the third a point shot through traffic – Raiders goalie Darren MacDonald held the fort with 24 saves.
The game’s story, however, was the Nepean offence, which kept clicking.
Hinds’ pair of second-period scores helped put the game out of reach.
“One the first [goal], I saw Bell in front and I just buried my head and ripped it,” explained Hinds, whose second goal was just as pretty.
“I saw an opening, snuck into the slot and let a wrister go.”
Captain Andrew Mather topped off Nepean’s scoring with a power-play goal in the third period. Taking a pass from Eskedjian, Mather circled into the slot and ripped a quick wrist shot past Beaudry.
Nepean’s previously struggling power play went five-for-six, and their hot penalty kill shut the door on the 73’s. But staying out of the penalty box, especially against better teams, will be paramount for the Raiders this season.
“Penalties are still our Achilles,” said Howes. “We can play on the edge, but we have to be more composed.”
Nepean is second in the league with 223 times shorthanded. League leader Cumberland has been shorthanded just 146 times.
OUTLOOK
Heading into the second half of the season, the Raiders feel the upheaval in the first half will only make them a better team.
The club is still searching for a new head coach, but has gone a respectable 2-2 under Howes and general manager Rob Black, who is filling in on the bench.
“It’s time for us to pick it up,” said Hinds. “We need some wins going into Christmas and have a good streak in the new year that will carry us into the playoffs.”
Miles’ prediction is bolder: “I think we’re going to pick it up and be in the championship for sure.”
Howes says attitude is the key.
“We can’t be overconfident. We just have to be mentally tough,” he said.
Club bounces back after 10-4 drubbing
Malcolm MacMillan
The Nepean Raiders rebounded into the win column on a snowy Dec. 2, beating up on the Kemptville 73’s 7-3 two days after an embarrassing 10-4 defeat at the hands of the Smiths Falls Bears.
Though the Raiders performance was far from flawless – their execution Sunday wouldn’t have allowed them to beat any of the top teams in the league – it delivered a win against the 7-18-1-3 73’s squad.
Still, the two-point performance keeps Nepean on pace five points behind league leaders Pembroke and Brockville, which each won on Sunday.
The Raiders, at 18-10-2-1, have put up good numbers in the face of myriad off-ice developments this season. Since opening day, the club has said goodbye to two head coaches. Eight players off that inaugural roster are no longer with the club.
“We’ve gone through some shaky times but the team is coming together,” said defenceman Tyler Hinds, who notched a pair of second-period goals against Kemptville.
Hinds scored on the power play and at even strength – the latter the only non-special teams goal scored by Nepean during the game.
Nepean scored three power-play goals by the 11-minute mark of the first, and later added a couple more markers with the man advantage. Emmond Bell supplemented the scoring with a shorthanded tally late in the second frame.
“I expected to win, but before we get ahead of ourselves, we have to execute,” said coach Peter Howes. “It comes down to making plays … and we’re still tired and banged up.”
But Nepean’s power play, which has struggled at only a 17 per cent efficiency this season, was a force on Sunday.
Greg Eskedjian picked up his first goal of the season on a blast from the point early in the first, and after Kemptville’s James Craig was assessed a five-minute major and game misconduct for an elbow to the head of David Gervais, the Raiders capitalized twice more on the power play.
Blueliner Brad Barber, enjoying his best offensive weeks of his Jr. A career, scored his third goal in as many games on a slap shot from the top of the circle, then Stephen Miles one-timed a pass behind former teammate Alexandre Beaudry from the edge of the crease. Both goals were scored during the major to Craig.
Winger Miles said the team is relaxed under Howes.
“You know if you make a mistake he’s not going to sit you for the whole game,” said Miles. “He’s a guy who tells you what’s wrong and lets you go out and try to fix it.”
Miles, a skilled and tough player, was obviously confident on the ice, adding two assists and jawing at Kemptville players after whistles.
Though the 73’s scored single goals in each period – the first on a pass to Tim Hennessey alone in the slot, the second a deflection off a skate in front and the third a point shot through traffic – Raiders goalie Darren MacDonald held the fort with 24 saves.
The game’s story, however, was the Nepean offence, which kept clicking.
Hinds’ pair of second-period scores helped put the game out of reach.
“One the first [goal], I saw Bell in front and I just buried my head and ripped it,” explained Hinds, whose second goal was just as pretty.
“I saw an opening, snuck into the slot and let a wrister go.”
Captain Andrew Mather topped off Nepean’s scoring with a power-play goal in the third period. Taking a pass from Eskedjian, Mather circled into the slot and ripped a quick wrist shot past Beaudry.
Nepean’s previously struggling power play went five-for-six, and their hot penalty kill shut the door on the 73’s. But staying out of the penalty box, especially against better teams, will be paramount for the Raiders this season.
“Penalties are still our Achilles,” said Howes. “We can play on the edge, but we have to be more composed.”
Nepean is second in the league with 223 times shorthanded. League leader Cumberland has been shorthanded just 146 times.
OUTLOOK
Heading into the second half of the season, the Raiders feel the upheaval in the first half will only make them a better team.
The club is still searching for a new head coach, but has gone a respectable 2-2 under Howes and general manager Rob Black, who is filling in on the bench.
“It’s time for us to pick it up,” said Hinds. “We need some wins going into Christmas and have a good streak in the new year that will carry us into the playoffs.”
Miles’ prediction is bolder: “I think we’re going to pick it up and be in the championship for sure.”
Howes says attitude is the key.
“We can’t be overconfident. We just have to be mentally tough,” he said.
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