Mar 20, 2022 | Scott Price | 392 views
Tune-Up Tourney in Plattsville
Your U13 Rep IceDogs were off to the "sunny" south to try their hand in a one day tourney in Plattsville last Friday. The 'Dogs were looking to sharpen their skills and game play as they get ready for the final 2 weeks of playoff action. And, as their coach, I think we checked all the boxes: face strong competition (check), face and overcome adversity (check), keep the good habits going (check).
Game 1 - The IceDogs started the day by facing the Petrolia Oilers. The first period was a wild affair with both teams trading chances and goals. Petrolia would storm out of the gate and score early but the IceDogs rattled off 4 straight (Ethan, Brayden, Jesse and Carter). But before the 1st period horn sounded, Petrolia had tied things up for a 4-4 draw at intermission. The IceDogs battened down the hatches and played a more solid defensive game in the 2nd and 3rd and Ethan, Owen (2) and Carter would score again to give the IceDogs an 8-4 win. An exciting shootout followed with several highlight reel attempts and goals. Aidan S. was the Mesh Master, allowing only 5 goals out of 16 shooters from Petrolia.
Game 2 - Game 2 was a battle of the IceDogs as the BCH IceDogs and the AEMHA IceDogs squared off. We have faced their Alternate Entry team before but this was a different animal and what a battle it was. The AEMHA IceDogs came out of the gate quickly and had the BCH squad on their heels for the first 1/2 of the first period. Somebody most have told BCH to wake up because they flipped a switch and suddenly it was the AEMHA team hemmed in their own zone. Aidan S. was sharp and it was 0-0 at the break.
The BCH group got on the board early in the 2nd but Carter M., in a dazzling display of speed and stick handling got inside the big BCH defence and ripped one top ched (off both bars!) and in to inspire his teammates. BCH would score another one late in the period to go up 2-1 but Aidan S. was playing well and holding his team in it.
In the 3rd, it was Ethan S. turn to wow the crowed with a terrific move behind the BCH net to buy himself some time and feed a wide open Carter, who hammered it in for a 2-2 tie. It was back and forth after that and the newly named PB and J line (Porter, Brayden and Jesse) came close twice but to no avail. BCH would get the last shot of the game with 22 seconds left and shot ricocheted off a stick and into the net for a 3-2 BCH lead. The boys from Arran-Elderslie would fall 4-2 (empty netter) but it was win in this coach's book--we played above our weight class and held our own.
Game 3 (Silver Medal Game): With a 1-1 record, the IceDogs earned their spot in the Silver Medal game and were facing a strong adversary in Mount Forest. During the season, the Rams had bested the IceDogs in 2 games, despite the IceDogs holding the edge in play. It was redemption time.
Things started a bit rocky, with Mount Forest jumping on loose pucks and burying one from a tough angle to take the lead. Shortly after, Owen M. would burst down the wing and use his patented triple deke to knot things up at 1. The Rams would keep it coming though and before the IceDogs knew it, they were down 3-1 as the first period came to a close.
Coach P was adamant this one wasn't over. Outwork them and we'll win was the message. So, the IceDogs put on their coveralls and work boots and went to work. A drawn up play off a face off paid off. Jesse P would win a draw clean to Waylon. A quick D to D pass to Alek, who faked a shot to freeze the defender, a quick pass to Brayden P. in the bumper position led to a quick one-timer and it was 3-2! The period would end with the Rams holding a tentative lead.
Early in the 3rd, Alek F. would pounce on a loose puck and with no pressure coming his way, he would race into the Rams zone and get a quick shot off to surprise the Rams goalies---it was 3-3. More and more chances were coming the IceDogs way, although Aidan S. had to make a few goal mouth stands to keep the game tied. With under 4 minutes left to play, Porter B. would win a battle in the corner of the Rams zone and put the puck toward the Mount Forest net. Brayden P would battle for the loose puck and get 2 chances, with the 2nd finding its way in and it was 4-3 IceDogs! With Mount Forest out of steam and the IceDogs outworking them in every zone, it was the IceDogs taking the Silver Medal with a well-deserved (and satisfying) win.
The IceDogs are ready for their OMHA/WOAA semi-final vs. Minto -- Game 1 is this Sunday at 7:00---Come on out and watch this great team go for it all!!