The Ottawa Black Bears sealed their victory over the Toronto Rock with a nail-biting 12-11 win on December 28, 2024, completing their two-game season series sweep.
The game was electric from the opening whistle, with both teams showcasing their offensive prowess. The two squads combined for 23 goals, engaging fans with edge-of-the-seat action. Jacob Dunbar stood out with his remarkable performance, netting four goals, including the Black Bears' first and last tally.
Things heated up early when Chris Boushy scored for the Rock just over one minute onto the clock, giving Toronto the early lead. Not one to be outdone, Dunbar quickly responded, tying the game with his first goal and marking the beginning of what would be his standout night.
After the Rock regained the upper hand, the back-and-forth contest soon became evident as both teams exchanged goals. By the end of the first quarter, the score stood 4-4 after various lead changes, fueled by skillful assists from teammates on both sides.
With tension building, the teams continued battling throughout the second quarter. Dunbar’s hat trick was achieved early when he found the net again, putting the Black Bears up 5-4. A short-lived lead, as Toronto responded quickly to regain their advantage with goals from John Jubenville and Josh Dawick.
The third quarter started with the Rock initially taking the lead once more, making the score 9-7. But the Black Bears were well-prepared to fight back, making incredible plays, culminating with Luc Magnan’s goal cutting the Rock's lead to one. Dunbar's incredible skill and determination shone through as he assisted Kiel Matisz’s goal, which brought the score to 11-11 with just minutes left.
Completing the exciting comeback late in the game was Taggart Clark, whose goal pushed the Black Bears to the 12-11 advantage. The nerve-wracking climax unfolded when the Rock scored what appeared to be the equalizer, only for it to be disallowed due to a crease violation, sealing the fate of the match and ensuring the Black Bears emerged victorious.
This win marks the Black Bears’ second victory over the Rock this season, illustrating their strength and skill as they prepare for their next challenges. Fans can look forward to their upcoming match against the San Diego Seals on January 4, 2025, where the Black Bears aim to carry this momentum forward.
With high hopes and boosted confidence, Ottawa is set to take on the Vancouver Warriors on January 17, marking the first meeting between the two teams, much to the excitement of the fans.
