IceDogs Can't Break Through Defenders, News, U13 Rep, U13, 2021-2022 (Arran-Elderslie Minor Hockey)

This Team is part of the 2021-2022 season, which is not set as the current season.
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Nov 29, 2021 | Scott Price | 294 views
IceDogs Can't Break Through Defenders
The U13 Rep IceDogs were hosting the Drayton Defenders in front of a packed house on Sunday night in Chesley.  The IceDogs were fresh off a full-effort win on Saturday and were looking to keep the momentum going.

Word had gotten out the Defenders were big and mean.  They were bigger than us (most teams are!) that's for sure and the IceDogs came out of the gate a bit tentative to start the first.  On their heels for the first 3-4 shifts, Aiden S. had to be sharp or this one would have got away early.  A couple of goal mouth scrambles led to one goal against and laser off the post and in had the Defenders up 2 early on.  The IceDogs would have to mount yet another comeback.  Ethan S. started the comeback with a lovely snipe into the top corner from a tough angle and the 'Dogs were on the board and starting to play better.  It was 2-1 Defenders after one, thanks to the red-hot play of Aiden S.

The 2nd period had the IceDogs starting to find their way and break through the tough checking Defenders.  Aiden still needed to be sharp but the 'Dogs were getting some chances of their own--they just weren't going in.  Porter B. had a glorious chance just roll off his stick and Jesse P. made some good rushes that resulted in no goals but good scoring chances.  A 5 on 3 powerplay led to more good scoring chances for the IceDogs but the Drayton goalies was equal to the task.  The score remained 2-1 Defenders after two.

The third was more of the same.  Lots of IceDogs chances just going wide or big Drayton saves.  Finally, with Jesse P buzzing behind the net and feeding a lovely pass to Owen M. who had two chances to rip it in and did to tie things up at 2 midway through the frame.  The IceDogs kept pressing but a tough break led to a Drayton shot finding its way off the cross bar and in with 5 minutes left to play.   The IceDogs pushed and drew a penalty but never really threatened and had to settle for a 3-2 loss.

It wasn't like they played bad--they can just play better.  Speed and tenacity--a staple of the IceDog game, just wasn't dialed up to 100 on this day and it cost the IceDogs in the end.  They will need to work on some little things and make the adjustment if they want to battle and stay with the big boys atop the standings.