Jan 21, 2019 | Scott Price | 608 views
PeeWee LL IceDogs Rally Late for Win!
The AEMHA PeeWee LL IceDogs were coming off a frustrating loss in Durham last night but had a quick turn around as the Hanover Falcons were in town for a Monday night match. Coach Chris had some line changes up his sleeve for this one to help kickstart the offence.
The lineup changes didn't pay off on the scoresheet right away but the IceDogs were taking the play to the Falcons and getting some early chances. The Falcon's goalie had stymied the IceDog shooters a couple of weeks ago and he was sharp again early. Noah J., manning the tangled twine for the 'Dogs, was up to the task too and made good early saves when called upon. It looked like the IceDogs were going to be hard on their luck again as pucks just out of reach and offsides led to missed opportunities. The first period would end in a scoreless tie.
The Falcons would open the scoring on a missed assignment in front of the net and bang a rebound past Noah. The IceDogs would rebound with a flurry of activity in the Falcon end and Ben M. would snipe a beauty after some solid work by Dylan P and Alex S. in the Falcon zone. The IceDogs kept up the pressure but another breakdown in front of Noah led to another Falcon goal. Austin G. would get that one back with a end to end rush, going post and in to knot things up at 2. Another rebound goal by the Falcon's would get them their one goal lead back but Captain Colby followed up on a mad dash by Eric G. and get a rebound goal of his own to tie things at three heading to the 2nd intermission.
Coach Chris inspired his troops by asking for that one more degree of effort and grit and the 'Dogs responded. Hard, aggressive play by the 'Dogs kept the pressure on the Falcons throughout the period. Getting in the grill of the Hanover squad led to some undisciplined penalties and while the IceDogs didn't score, they still kept up the momentum. An unlucky penalty led to a power play goal against but the IceDogs remained undaunted. With time ticking down, the newly formed line of Ryan P-Gavin H. and Eric G. went to work. Daemyn E. would keep the puck in at the blue line and fire a shot on net. Eric G. would deflect a pass to Ryan P who went roof daddy to tie things up at 4's. The IceDogs weren't satisfied with that and after Colby H. and Gavin worked the puck toward the net, Eric G. would slam in a rebound and the 'Dogs had the lead late in the game. The Falcons would press for the equalizer but to no avail. The IceDogs would skate away with a hard-earned 5-4 win.
Nice to see this team get rewarded with a win after a few frustrating losses earlier in the season. Their team first attitude and doing all the little things right have the team pointed in the right direction up the standings as the eve of the playoffs approach.