(Posted 11:30 a.m., Dec. 20)
Inconsistent Grads take one step forward, two steps back
By Fred Sherwin
Orléans Online

2010 can't come fast enough for the Cumberland Grads. After losing five of their last six games heading into the Christmas break, including back-to-back games in Kemptville on the weekend, the Grads can hardly wait to put 2009 behind them and make a New Year's resolution to get back on track.

The Grads went into the CJHL Winterfest on the weekend looking to build on their win over the Nepean Raiders last Wednesday which snapped a four game losing streak. With games against two of the CJHL's weaker teams in the Carleton Place Canadians and the Smiths Falls Bears, the Grads had every reason to be optimistic.

Their optimism soon turned to disappointment, however, when they came out on the short end of a 2-1 shootout loss to the Canadians on Friday night.

Adam Laderoute was stellar in net for the Grads in stopping 29 shots, unfortunately is was the first shot that beat him. Scott Shackell, meanwhile, was even better for the Canadians, turning away 36 of 37 shots to pick up first star honours. Kale Wild scored the Grads lone goal in the game.

The Grads spotted the Bears a three goal lead the next day before battling back in the third period to make it a one goal game with 8:12 still left to play.

Try as they might, however, the Grads just couldn't get the tying goal, and with 20 seconds left to go in the game Smiths Falls scored a shorthanded empty net goal to seal the deal.

With the two losses added to their record, the Grads will most likely ring in the New Year in sole possession of seventh place depending on whether the Ottawa Jr. Senators can pick up a point against the Gloucester Rangers on Wednesday night.

The Grads will return to action on Wednesday, Jan. 6against the Cornwall Colts at the Navan Arena. Game time is 3 p.m.

(This story was made possible thanks to the generous support of our local business partners.)

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