Atom Rep IceDogs Take Game #1 in Lockridge Division Final, News, Atom Rep, U11, 2019-2020 (Arran-Elderslie Minor Hockey)

This Team is part of the 2019-2020 season, which is not set as the current season.
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Mar 13, 2020 | Scott Price | 907 views
Atom Rep IceDogs Take Game #1 in Lockridge Division Final
The Lockridge Division Final kicked off on Thursday night in Tara as your Atom Rep IceDogs hosted the South-Bruce Blades in Game #1.  The Atom Rep IceDogs had been playing well for a while now.  After a tough loss at the beginning of February, the IceDogs had turned the page and found another gear that their opponents have not been able to match in recent weeks.

The Blades had won their own tie-breaking game on Monday and the IceDogs knew that this would be a "dog" fight.  After their own huge win versus Shallow Lake on Monday, there was bound to be a bit of an emotional let-down.  The two teams came out of the gate a bit tentative and it might have been the Blades with the early edge in play.  Just not being as razor sharp as they had been, the IceDogs turned the puck over and Peyton L. had to be on top of his game to keep the Blades off the board.  But the IceDogs have grown as young men and players over this season and resiliency had been building for a while now.  Weathering the storm, the IceDogs got it going and begin a push back that had them applying pressure and Brayden P. narrowly missed opening up the scoring with a shot ringing off the cross-bar.  The first period would end in a 0-0 tie.

The second period started with more IceDog pressure and with Jesse-Brayden and Ian cycling the puck and creating Blade turnovers.  One turnover ended up on Alek F. stick and the Blades net minder couldn't control his rocket from the blue line and the IceDogs had the lead.  As time ticked off the period, Owen M. got a break when a Blade defender fell at the blue-line.  Skating in uncontested, Owen would rip a shot for a goal and a 2-0 lead.  The Blades got that one back on a 2 on 1 that Hudson J. narrowly missed breaking up with a hard back check and the period came to a close by a score of 2-1.

The goals came fast and furious in the 3rd (which is actually a great way to describe how the IceDogs had been playing lately!)  Owen M. would race down his off-wing and fire a backhanded beauty for a 3-1 lead.  Ethan S. would tally after that on a rebound and then Owen W. would rip a shot from the blue line for a quick 5-1 lead.  Ethan S. would get 2 more and Carter G. would bang in another and the IceDogs were flying now 8-1, sending the capacity crowd into a frenzy.  Game 1 would end with the IceDogs taking this one in commanding fashion.

It was one of the games I didn't want to end.  I knew before the game (and then 1/2 way through) that this was the last time this group would get to play together this year.  It's not fair and disappointing they won't be able to hoist a trophy the traditional way but make no mistake--this year's Atom Rep IceDogs are Champions.  They learned what it takes to win this year and I couldn't me more proud.  A tremendous group of young men who LOVE this game and playing together and for each other.  They might not be the most talented, the biggest, or the fastest--but their love for the game can't be matched and that is why they won together.

Ethan, Owen, Carter, Jesse, Brayden, Ian, Hudson, Alek, Karden, Simon, Peyton, Aden, Aiden, Owen, Waylon and Carter M--you gave me your all and that's all I ever asked.  Have a great off-season and see you at the rink!

Coach Pricer out!