Nov 10, 2019 | Scott Price | 396 views
Atom Rep IceDogs Finish 3rd in Fall Classic Tournament
The Atom Rep IceDogs were off to Georgian Shores to participate in the Fall Classic Tournament. All but 1 team were much larger centres than AEMHA but this was the first tournament of the year and the 'Dogs were ready to let loose!
Game #1 - vs East Lambton - For some strange reason the IceDogs came out flat. East Lambton took the play to the IceDogs and were it not for the play of Peyton and Aiden between the pipes, this one would have been a rather embarrassing score. However, it might have been a blessing in disguise and if you are going to have a bad game, it might as well be the first one. East Lambton would take this one 6-0.
Game #2 - vs Bruce Penninsula - The IceDogs vowed to be better and Coach Price gave them a little leash at the hotel, with some pool time and apple juice. The IceDogs would pay their coaching staff back and then some with a good (and sometime great) effort. Carter G. would get the IceDogs on the board first with one of his signature goals (assisted by Jesse P and Hudson J.) The line of Owen-Ethan-Ian would go to work for the next two goals with Ethan and Owen getting the berries and apples for each other. Carter G. would get another half clapper goal with Jesse and Brayden P. collecting apples and Owen M. would seal the deal off a sweet dish from Ethan S. Bruce Penn got a couple of fluky ones to stay in this one but Peyton (who should probably get an endorsement from Visine) made a tremendous glovely save and the IceDogs were in the win column with a 5-3 victory.
Game #3 - vs Georgian Shores - After a fun night at the Hotel, the IceDogs were ready to set the host team from Georgian Shores on Saturday afternoon. The IceDogs were pumped after watching Peyton and Hudson participate in the shootout competition moments earlier. Peyton would end up 3rd in the contest and Hudson scored the prettiest goal with a bar down rip job that had the crowd buzzing.
Even though the IceDogs were ready for this one, it was the Lightening that started the scoring with a power play goal off a questionable call from the Stripes. Unfazed and beginning to find their game, Karden C. would rush the puck to the net and Carter G. would smash home the rebound to knot things up at 1. Not long after that, Jesse P. would collect the puck after Brayden P. caused a turnover. Jesse would gain the zone and rip a hard one off a Lightening defender and into the back of the net and the IceDogs had turned the tide and had a 2-1 lead. The second period had the play(s) of the game and showed why this IceDog team is one tough team. Shorthanded, Hudson J. would block a shot that richotted right to Brayden P. As Hudson hobbled to the bench, Brayden would skate in 1 on 3 and fire a backhand that eluded the Lightening net minder to make the score 3-1. Then, with the Lightening still determined on their power play, Owen M. would stretch out to block another shot as the 2nd period came to a close. With Owen's determined play firing his team up, Ethan S. would wind his way into the slot and fire a shot off the post; Brayden would collect the rebound and salt this one away with the IceDogs leading 4-1. The IceDogs had punched their ticket to the semi-finals with the win.
Game #4 - vs Lucan - The IceDogs knew they had the work cut out for them as they faced a very tough Lucan squad. With the ice very much still wet (come on Zamboni guy!) the IceDogs had to work very hard in the first period to keep the game 0-0. The Lucan squad had a few chances to go ahead but Peyton was giving them nothing to shoot at and with some help from his posts, the game stayed 0-0. The IceDogs had a few chances of their own, but the puck just wouldn't settle and the Lucan goalie was equal to the task when tested. With the IceDogs getting better shift by shift, they would get a few more chances. Ethan and Ian just missed in close and a few scrambles in front of the Lucan net almost led to Jesse and Brayden cashing in. The missed opportunities would come back to haunt the IceDogs as Lucan would get a fluky goal to break the ice with 6 minutes left to play. Brayden P. would just miss on a wrap around and then another puck just fluttered off his stick with a wide open cage yawning. Pressing hard, the IceDogs would empty the tank but Lucan would get another with the IceDogs out of gas and take this one 2-0.
The IceDogs would like to thank Georgian Shores for putting on a great tournament. They would also like to thank IceDog Nation (their friends, family and fans) for cheering us on every step of the way. We were able to wear our Remembrance Day jerseys in every game and I believe we wore the Poppy with class and a high level of play. Thank you again to the Legion Branches of Tara, Chesley and Paisley for this amazing opportunity to represent the Heroes who gave us and protect our freedom. Lest We Forget