The Rockland Nationals’ quest for a Bogart Cup came to disappointing halt over the weekend.
Despite a valiant effort in a low-scoring affair, the Nats lost game five of their second round Central Canadian Hockey League (CCHL) playoff matchup by a score of 1-0 against the Navan Grads.
With the loss, the Nats lose the series four games to one.
It was a goaltending dual between the Grads’ Jaeden Nelson and Rockland’s Benoit Forget.
Nelson was named the game’s first star, stopping all 34 shots he faced.
Forget earned second star honours after allowing only one goal on 28 shots.
Playoff hockey returns to Rockland
After a four-year wait, Rockland got the chance to enjoy some Nationals playoff hockey, no matter how short-lived, or bittersweet the ending.
Before clinching a playoff berth this season, the last time the Nationals made the postseason was in the 2018-2019 CCHL season. They lost to the Carleton Place Canadians in five games in the second round.
The Nationals clinched a postseason berth by finishing third in the CCHL’s Yzerman division with 68 points during the regular season.
Rockland faced off against the Renfrew Wolves in the first round of the 2023-2024 playoffs, and winning the series four games to two.
