Rivermen have new date for free EOSHL hockey

ARNPRIOR – The Arnprior Rivermen (10-7-1) of the Eastern Ontario Super Hockey League (EOSHL) were all set to give the community free hockey this weekend (Jan. 28), until the Nick Smith Centre had an ice problem.

Last week, the Town of Arnprior had to close the community centre’s two ice pads suddenly after a major leak in the refrigeration system. It forced the cancellation of the Rivermen’s final EOSHL home game of the regular season.

Well, Arnprior staff were able to re-open their rinks much sooner than expected, and the Rivermen have been able to re-schedule their final home game before the playoffs.

“Our free attendance game originally scheduled for this Saturday (Jan. 28) against the Tweed Oil Kings (10-6-1) has been rescheduled to next Sunday, Feb.5 at 430 p.m.,” the Rivermen released in a statement yesterday (Jan. 26). “We are sorry for the inconvenience and hope the whole town can mark it in their calendar and come support us next weekend.”

What was already gearing up to be an important game in EOSHL playoff seeding, became even more important following last weekend’s (Feb. 21).

The Rivermen beat the Frontenac Phantoms (2-13-1) 4-1 on the road near Kingston at Cataraqui Arena. A three goal second period sealed the deal and Arnprior’s Jesse Dick was named first star with one goal.

Phantom goalie Jake Kment was named second star stopping 43 of 47 shots in the loss. The Rivermen’s Jaren Campitelli, Luca Nocita and Josh Snider also scored in the win.

The win gives the Rivermen 21 points in the EOSHL West Division, but are currently seeded third in the six-team division. Tied with them and sitting at second are the Oil Kings who have a game at hand over the Rivermen.

All six teams in the west make the playoffs, but the top two teams earn byes in the first round.