The Smiths Falls Bears survived a determined comeback attempt by the Kemptville 73s on the way to a 2-1 win.

Smiths Falls made the score 2-0 on a goal by Yannick Crete at 10:49 in the first period, and Kemptville got as close as 2-1 when Jesse Blais scored 1:31 into the third period.

The 73s were stymied by the Bears netminder Michael Pinios, who stopped 27 shots during the victory. The solid play of Pinios will be reflected in his goals against average, which pre-game was 2.73.

Alek Deblois also scored for Smiths Falls. More assists for Smiths Falls came via Brandon Lesway and Stefano Momesso, who contributed one a piece.

Kemptville was held below its usual level of production. The 73s put an average of 3.1 pucks into the net per game.

Other players who recorded assists for Kemptville were David Higgs and Brandon Cole, who each chipped in one.

Smiths Falls incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. Jacob Tugnutt made 22 saves for Kemptville on 24 shots. The 73s incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors.