Mar 21, 2022 | Scott Price | 439 views
MadDogs and IceDogs Earn a Point!
The U13 Rep IceDogs began their 4 point series on Sunday evening in Chesley with a sold-out crowd looking on. The stage was set.
There was plenty of butterflies to go around as the two teams had to wait out some Zamboni issues and play the first period on unflooded ice. Despite the heavier ice, Jesse P. made an electrifying rush with time winding down and ripped one top corner (where his Dad keeps....you know the rest!) and the IceDogs had the icebreaker and the lead after 1.
After a rare 2nd period flood, the IceDogs came out again and peppered the Minto tendy but couldn't get the next one. Minto would eventually capitalize on a turnover at the IceDog line and we were knotted at 1's after 2 periods of play.
The third was a wild affair. Minto would score 2 quick ones to take a 3-1 lead and Coach P. called a timeout to settle the troops down. After a positive pep talk, the IceDogs went to work. First Ethan would pounce on a loose puck and rip one to get the IceDogs within a goal. Some questionable Minto antics led to them finally taking a penalty and Jesse P. would snap home a loose puck after Brayden P. and Owen M. worked the puck down low. Ethan would break the tie shortly after with a carbon copy of his first goal and the IceDogs had the lead with time winding down. But this is the playoffs, and nothing comes easy. Two quick Minto goals with the IceDogs playing nervous had the MadDogs leading with less than a minute left to play. With no timeout to work with, the IceDogs had to dig deep. Putting on the pressure, Alek F. made a great stand at the blue line and got a puck to the net. Jesse P. would swipe at it and Owen M. would put home the rebound to tie things up with 50 seconds left to play. This one was headed to Overtime.
In OT, the IceDogs had their chances as Brayden P. and Owen M. had glorious chances to end it. Minto also had some chances but Aidan S. was equal to the task and the IceDogs and MadDogs would skate to a 5-5 draw.
For those in attendance, it was a terrific game with lots of goals, big saves and spirited play. Game 2 is Wednesday in Harriston--better get your tickets early.