Jan 30, 2023 | Ryan Greig | 406 views
Hungry 'Dogs in January!
The U9 Group A Icedogs transitioned to full ice mid-January and have been busy ever since! The Icedogs travelled to Barrie for the Lefroy Icebreakers Break the Ice tourney, came back home for a regular season game vs Owen Sound, then headed to Arthur for the Arthur Vipers U9 hockey day in Arthur tourney.
The Icedogs stormed out to an early lead against the neighboring Saugeen Shores Storm in their first game in Lefroy, but ultimately dropped a 4-3 decision after a back and forth battle with the Storm. Eddison H was the Icedog of the game for his stellar play between the pipes in game 1. The 'Dogs were back on the prowl later that afternoon, but maybe chased each other around the doghouse (hotel) between games, and didn't really bring their best effort for the second game of the day, losing 8-1 to a very good Ayr Flames squad. Lexton R took the player of the game award in game 2, working his tail off as one of the bright spots in an otherwise tough game.
Saturday saw the Icedogs back to themselves, once again flying out of the gate in a back and forth battle with the Huron Bruce Blizzard. We jumped out to a 2-0 lead, then 2-2, 3-2 Dogs, 3-3, 4-3 Blizzards, 4-4, then 5-4 finally for the Blizzards, as the Dogs ran out of gas at the end. Ryder T was the Icedog of the game in game 3, and gave all the credit to his mom for being his biggest fan in the stands, pointing at her in the crowd after a beauty goal. All in all, a great weekend and great experience for the U9 group A kids, playing hard and learning a lot in their first real tournament experience. Eddison H would take home the team MVP
The Icedogs had no time for rest, as they were back on the ice Monday Jan 23 hosting Owen Sound Attack Gold. Ryder T was on fire in Chesley that night, potting 5 goals, en route to a 10-3 win. Avery L took Icedog of the game honors in this one, finding her niche on the wing and forechecking her tail off.
After a good practice Saturday, the Icedogs were back in action Sunday in Arthur for a one day tourney. They kicked off their day at 9 am, and despite an early, slow, blustery drive, the Icedogs came out flying. A rematch with the Owen Sound gold team was a back and forth affair. The Dogs just couldn't quite hold on, leading 4-3 with 5 minutes left, a couple breakdowns and beauty finishes from a game OS squad, the Attack had revenge on the Dogs, squeaking out a 5-4 win with just 4 seconds left. Cooper M was the Icedog of the game for his ferocious defensive play, and a couple gorgeous snipes from the centre position.
After a quick break, next up was the Mitchell Meteors. Hungry for a win, the Icedogs started fast with a couple quick goals and never looked back. The goals came early and often, winding up a 14-0 win and a place in the consolation final against the Mid Huron Huskies. Declan V was the Icedog of the game in this one, forechecking like a rabid dog and potting his first goal as well.
After a longer break, and by break we mean running the arena like crazy and mini-sticks for hours, the Icedogs were back on to finish the flurry of games with another win. The Huskies were game to begin, but the Icedogs attacked with wave after wave of pressure, wearing the Huskies down. A hat trick from R Farrish paced the Icedogs attack, on their way to a 9-5 victory, and a B championship medal. Chester G took home the Icedog of the game belt in the win, scoring the game winner and playing the star for the Huskies tough all game.
All the kids played great, hats off to Mason G, Lexton R, Ethan M, and Declan V for standing tall on defense, and our forwards Avery L, Darby M, Chester G, R Farrish, Ryder T and Cooper M for pacing the attack up front. Special kudos for Eddie the Eagle H for manning the crease and making big saves all January.
With a couple players off to the sunny south, the Icedogs earned a short game break, and will be back in action Feb 11th vs Kincardine in Tara. Tickets available by resale only on StubHub, this team is the hottest ticket in town!