Dec 04, 2022 | Scott Price | 116 views
IceDogs Compete Hard in Minto Tournament!
Your U15 Rep IceDogs are no strangers to tough, close games. They look at them as a challenge to be met head on and on this day, they were off to play some of the big boys in the Minto Hockey Tournament in Palmerston.
Game 1 - vs Walkerton - Sports Media types probably had this one down as a lock for Walkteron. They are a B Centre (we are DD) and have a pretty good W-L record. But don't tell the IceDogs they were supposed to lose this one. They came out flying, taking it to the Capitals early and often. Brayden P. would finish off a nifty passing play by Riley J. and the IceDogs were out front early. Some tweaks to the power play paid dividends early with sustained pressure and 2 PP goals in this one, both by Chris P. and things were knotted at 3 in the late going. A probable missed goalie interference call led to Walkerton scoring with 2 mins left. The IceDogs rang a few posts late going for the tie but had to settle for a one goal loss in a game they were clearly the harder working team.
Game 2 - vs St. Mary's - The IceDogs had a long wait between games but that didn't seem to deter their energy and skating. The passing maybe wasn't as crisp but the work ethic was certainly there and they outworked St. Mary's almost every shift. Riley J. (from Brayden P. and Ethan S.) would get the IceDogs on the board and then scored the goal of the tournament (assisted by Ethan S.) a few minutes later. It remained 2-0 into the 3rd when the IceDogs exploded with 4 goals. Tyler B. would clap a beauty (assisted by Chris P and Alek F) from the blue line and then Karden C. would get a carbon copy with a screen clapper (assisted by Ethan S). Ethan would dent the twine off a lovely passing play from Owen M-10 and Austin L. and Chris P. capped the scoring with a nifty tip off a shot from Tyler B. Owen W. wasn't busy but turned aside several dangerous opportunities to net the shutout. All in all, it was a great team effort and win to punch our ticket to the B-Final.
Game 3 - vs Drayton - I wish this story had a happy ending. Drayton took advantage of some very poor officiating, taking liberties and playing 80's hockey. Hitting to injure, running our "smaller" players with the intent to injure was their game plan and they were allowed to do it. It was an unfortunate narrative.
However, your U15 IceDogs did not back down, and actually began to take the play to Drayton in the 3rd period. Down 2-0, Riley J. scored to make it 2-1 and several glorious chances just sailed wide. The IceDogs had to settle for a 2-1 loss.
It was a great weekend by a team that is starting to find their mojo and jam. The Wins aren't coming easy but they are learning lessons. The wins will follow...I know it in my heart.