A six-goal first period for the Port Hope Panthers was the Napanee Raiders’ downfall on Tuesday night at home, as they would go on to drop a 7-2 decision.

Josh Gervais and Jack Vautour notched goals nine seconds apart to kickstart the scoring and send the Panthers on their way. Former Wellington Duke Matt Cavanaugh, Dalton Lawrence, Shawn Mackie and Evan Foley followed up with goals. Foley’s goal would eventually chase Napanee goalie Paul Giusti, who was making his first start as a Raider after  beginning the year with his hometown Pickering Panthers. Cam Parr came in and stoned the Panthers the rest of the game. Only Mackie would beat Parr, adding his second of the night to finish off the scoring five-and-a-half minutes into the third.

Former Dukes Justynn Steven and Trent Schutt had Napanee’s goals, Steven on a powerplay in the first period and Schutt shorthanded in the second. Aidan McFarland, Michael Parr and Steven drew assists. An honourable mention for good play goes to Kingston native Ryley Richardson, who was Napanee’s steadiest defenceman on the night. He also dropped the gloves with Port Hope’s Ben Grieve for his first career junior fight, holding his own against the older Grieve in the process. 

Napanee will have a week off to nurse their wounds before taking on the last place Picton Pirates next Tuesday, the 2nd of February at the Strathcona Paper Centre.