Oct 27, 2013 | rswigger | 393 views
What a difference a day makes...
Question: what's the difference between a home game Saturday morning and an away game Sunday night? Answer: everything.
On Saturday our scariest pre-Halloween nightmare came true. Yes, Minto is in first, and yes, they are a very skilled and polished team. But winning and losing aside, the Ice Dogs looked like Iced Dogs beside the Mad Dogs on Saturday in Chelsey. Forget the score...it was quite forgettable...it was the way we played. Or didn't play.
But after some good soul-searching on Sunday, the Ice Dogs showed what resiliency is. Down 2-0 after the first against the Bruce Pen Predators, our team found the stride last seen against the mighty Lakers in a rebound match a week ago. Much stronger play from all the Dogs wingers--and continued steady play from our D--made this game, well, a game. We dug deep and in after several chances Brett notched our first, and minutes later, Braydon buried our second (with helpers from Dylan and Brett). Even when it looked like we were going to let the Preds back up while we were short-handed, Tyson stood on his head and made at least 10 big saves to keep us in it. In fact, during one flurry in the second, he made three highlight reel saves in about 5 seconds.
As the game was running down in the third it was obvious whoever scored next would win. Unfortunately, after trading many great chances, the winner went in for Bruce Pen at the 6 minute mark of the third. No matter, it was one of those games coaches love because here was something to recall at our upcoming matches--a fine example of grit. Some good forechecks; some responsible back checks; and a whole lot team play.
Congrats Dogs...but stay hungry. Your next game is Monday night at the Keady barn against the 'alphabet'. Bring that A game.