The AEMHA Atom Rep IceDogs hosted the TCDHMA Rebels Wednesday night. This long-standing rivalry always brings out the best in both teams and fans braved the snowy, cold conditions to see this one.
After taking a step back and simplifying their gameplan, the IceDogs started the game with a purpose. Determined, and being hard on pucks they controlled the play and kept the Rebel’s chances to a minimum. Karden C. had a whale of a first period as he generated a few chances for his linemates (and himself) with a very strong forecheck. Owen W. was sharp between the pipes once again and kept the scored deadlocked at zeroes after one period of play.
The second period began with the IceDogs sending out the Young Gun’s line of Brayden P-Ethan S and Owen M. With Brayden and Ethan doing the dirty work in the corners, they dug a puck free and put it on net where Owen M did what he does best, and that’s bury the rebound to give the IceDogs the 1-0 lead. The IceDogs kept up the pressure and were checking the Rebels relentlessly. A costly turnover ended up in the back of the net and the Rebels drew even as the period came to a close.
The IceDog’s fast, exciting style of hockey kept the Rebels on their heels and was causing them to take penalties to try and slow the IceDog attack. While the power play didn’t score it created chance after chance and eventually Riley J. would walk in from the blue line and fire a dart off the Rebel netminder to give the IceDogs the lead. Now the IceDogs played their best hockey as they continued their hard checking game. A late penalty had a few fans nervous but the IceDogs had little trouble killing it off and would grind out a well deserved 2-1 win.
This was probably the IceDogs most complete effort as all players were firing on all cylinders, especially on the defensive side of the puck. Another complete effort will be needed as the Drayton Defenders visit this Saturday. Great work IceDogs! I know all the Coaches and fans were proud of your effort and you should be too!