New week, same results for Frontenacs
The Kingston Frontenacs’ losing streak now stands at 8 after losing all three games last week against three of the top teams in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
On Wednesday Jan. 30, 2019, the Fronts travelled to the nation’s capital and where they dropped a 7-1 decision to the Ottawa 67’s at TD Place Arena. Sasha Chmelevski had three goals for the 67’s while Marco Rossi added two, as the league’s top team cruised to the victory after a tight first period. Ian Durungs had Kingston’s only goal.
Friday night marked the return to Kingston of fan favorite Jason Robertson after a November trade that sent him to the Niagara Ice Dogs along with defenseman Jacob Paquette in exchange for Billy Constantinou, Ian Martin and 11 draft picks.
Robertson picked up where he left off the last time he played at the Leon’s Centre with 2 goals and 2 assists as the St. Catharines team played as well as they needed to on route to a 5-1 win. It appeared at times that the Ice Dogs were looking past the Fronts as the second place team had a huge Saturday night match-up against the 67’s in Ottawa. The 67’s put an indelible mark on first place by defeating the Ice Dogs 6-1.
Kingston got off to a great start with Nick Wong’s power play goal off of a faceoff at the 2:20 mark of the first period. After that, it was all Ice Dogs.
At the conclusion of the game, Robertson took a skate around the rink to salute the Kingston fans who were left. Fans were able to express their appreciation after a video tribute to Robertson half was through the game.
On Saturday, Feb. 2, it was the re-tooled Guelph Storm at the Leon’s Centre, as they took apart the Fronts 8-1. Liam Hawel’s three goals paced the Storm as they out-shot the Fronts 41-13. Guelph 16-year-old defenseman, Zack Terry, scored his first career OHL goal at 13:50 of the second period, earning him a 3rd star selection and a post-game TV interview on YourTV.
The Storm turned over a third of their roster at the trade deadline and are now perhaps the deepest team in the league with thirteen players who are nineteen. They were without the services of former Peterborough Pete Pavel Gogolev, former Hamilton Bulldog McKenzie Entwistle, and Sean Durzi who they acquired from Owen Sound along with Nick Suzuki.
As the score became more lopsided in the third period, the Storm had control of the puck for most of the period and seemed to be playing keep away.
This week, things don’t get any easier as the Frontenacs host the Peterborough Petes on Friday evening before heading out on the road for games in Owen Sound and on Saturday evening and Guelph Sunday afternoon.
For a full schedule or to purchase tickets for upcoming games, visit the Frontenacs’ website at www.kingstonfrontenacs.com.
Tim “The Coach” Cunningham has played every sport ever. His inside knowledge can be heard and seen on radio, television and in print across Canada. Follow him on twitter at @TheCoachTC.