Nov 13, 2022 | Scott Price | 151 views
U15 IceDogs Tested in First Tournament of the Year
Your U15 Rep IceDogs were off to Meaford to test their mettle against some tough competition from all over Ontario. Even though they would be punching out of their weight class, this U15 group has already shown they won't back down from a challenge.
IceDogs vs Highland Storm - the IceDogs were definitely a little rusty in this one to start. They played back on their heels and Owen W. had to be very sharp or this one would have been a laugher after the first period (he stopped 12 of 13 shots). But, the IceDogs found their legs and began to rally. First, Simon J. snapped one home after a beauty play and pass from Owen M-8. Then, on a PP, Riley J. would take a lovely dish from Brayden P. and get the IceDogs within 1. Riley would score another beauty from his knees to knot things at 3 shortly after. A screened shot got through Owen W. but undaunted, Brayden P. would tap home a rebound (from Karden C.) and we were tied again. A PP to the IceDogs with 3 to play didn't quite work out and the IceDogs gave up a couple quick ones. Ethan S. would breathe some life back into the game (assisted by Alek F and Tyler B.) but the IceDogs succumbed 6-5 in a game they probably could have (and should have) won.
IceDogs vs Georgian Shores Lightning- the IceDogs were hungry in this one (it was almost lunch time). Riley J. would collect the puck after Brayden P. won a battle in the corner and snap the puck past a surprised Lightning tender on the first shift and shot of the game. From there, it was all IceDogs. Owen M-8 tapped one home off a sweet dish from Ethan S. and Chris P. would complete the scoring in the first (with the assist to Owen M-8.) In the second period, Austin L. found a rebound after some good hard work by Owen M-10 in front of the net. Riley would bulge the twine with a shorty (on some great work by Owen M-8) behind the net. Austin L. collected a carbon copy goal to start the 3rd period (assisted by Chris P.) and Karden C. would cap the scoring with a couple of sweet dekes, walking off the blue line. The IceDogs knew they had another gear but it was nice to get back in the win column and earn a win. Owen W. wasn't busy but still sharp to earn the shutout.
IceDogs vs Clearview Canucks - it was a win and you're in game...and the IceDogs saved their best game for last. Right out of the gate they had some jump, were winning battles and generating lots of chances---they just wouldn't go in! After giving up the first goal, the IceDogs bounced back with Chris P. getting the puck to Brayden P., who promptly fed Riley J. for a cross-crease tap-in and the IceDogs were away. Once again, the IceDogs would give that one back and had to battle back. This time, on the PP, Chris P. would win a face-off--Riley J and Brayden P. would fight to get the puck to the net and Chris would toe drag and fire home the equalizer and the IceDogs were coming. The third period was ALL IceDogs with at least 10 quality chances turned away by the Canuck goaltender. And, in true hockey fashion, some big saves at one end usually turn into a chance at the other. A Canuck skater would somehow get through the IceDog defence (better to be lucky than good I guess) and the puck would find a hole and cross the line with less than 2 minutes left to play. Still, the IceDogs battled back and had two good chances just sail wide to tie it late. The IceDogs would fall 3-2 after playing their best game of the weekend.
From Owen W in the crease out, it was a really good effort. We learned some things about ourselves, how we need to play (as a team and what each player can do to help our group), and had a bit of fun too. I have zero doubt that this group will start getting W's if they play they way they did this weekend. The hockey gods weren't really with us on this weekend but they had to be smiling at the effort and tenacity this group showed--the reward is coming!
And they won't have to wait long! The TCDMHA Rebels are coming to T-town for a game on Monday night...puck drop is 7:00!