Prior to the puck drop, the Petes honoured overage defenceman and assistant captain Cam Gauvreau, who was playing his last home game with the team.
The sold-out crowd made the overall total 119,747 over 34 home games, 8,505 more than the previous record of 111,242 from the 2005-06 championship season.
After Thursday’s sell-out, the average attendance this season climbed to 3,522, 250 higher than the previous record of 3,272 during 2005-06. These numbers also factored into 20 new single-game attendance records that were set this season.
“The growth following last season's OHL championship is tremendous and unprecedented,” said Eric Evenbauer, director of sales. “Behind the scenes, there is a hard-working staff on both the business and hockey side who work together to provide the best experience possible for our fan base. To have 17 sell-outs in a rebuilding season is remarkable, it goes to show that our fans are excited about the team and the direction we’re heading both on and off the ice. None of what we do would be possible without our incredibly loyal and knowledgeable fan base.”
Unfortunately, it went all downhill from here as the Petes let an early penalty kill their momentum.
After a mad scramble in front of the net, Brady Stonehouse picked up the pieces and scored, beating Petes goaltender Zach Bowen for a 1-0 lead. That was the score heading into the second period. Peterborough only had four shots to Ottawa’s 20.
While the shots were more balanced at 16-10 in favour of the 67’s, the score became lopsided as the visitors rung off five unanswered goals for a 6-0 lead at the end of two.
Easton Rye took over goaltending duties to start the third period. However, Ottawa kept their foot on the gas in the final frame as they tacked on three more goals and routed the Petes 9-0.
The Petes continue their last stretch of road games as they take on the Barrie Colts on Saturday for 7:30 p.m.
