Rapids Outlast the Sackville Wolves in a Season Opening Thriller
May. 19, 2026
Rapids Outlast the Sackville Wolves in a Season Opening Thriller
The Saint John Rapids secured a hard-fought 12-10 victory over the Sackville Wolves on Monday afternoon at the Sackville Arena in Nova Scotia, to open their league play for the 2026 season. The high-scoring East Coast Junior Lacrosse League matchup was a re-match of last year's championship series and featured multiple hat tricks and a heavy physical edge.
In the first period, Sackville jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead with goals from Josh Hollet and a pair from Matt McCarron. Goaltender, Ethan Rowbotham, was the difference maker for Saint John, holding the game within reach until the Rapids responded later in the frame. Ben Rooney, Drew Mason, and Chase Aldridge all found the back of the net to tie the game 3-3 heading into the first intermission.
Following multiple penalties assessed against the Rapids, the teams traded punch for punch in the second period. Carter Munroe ignited the Wolves' offense with a natural hat trick, scoring three consecutive power-play goals. Saint John refused to back down. Ian Cassie, Drew Mason, and Chase Aldridge executed critical responses to keep the game locked at 6-6.
An explosive third period saw the teams combine for ten goals. Felix Harding and Ben Rooney built a quick lead for the Rapids. Matt McCarron fired back for Sackville to complete his own hat trick. The Rapids then unleashed a decisive three-goal surge courtesy of Harding, Rooney, and Ben Alchorn—who netted the eventual game-winning goal at 10:15. Finn St. Hilare and Jack McKay fought to keep Sackville alive, but Harding sealed the 12-10 win with his third goal of the day into the final minutes.
The game was highly physical, resulting in significant penalty trouble for both sides. Sackville's Josh Hollet and Saint John's Morgan Mackinnon were both assessed 10-minute misconduct penalties as the game to a close. MacKinnon’s play was spirited and he will be ready to help the team as they play their second game of the season on May 23 on the road against the St. Margaret’s bay Rebels.
