Dec 11, 2022 | Scott Price | 119 views
U15 IceDogs Rally for the Win!
It's been some tough sledding for your U15 IceDogs lately. Some close losses that felt like wins but you only want so many of those in a season. On Saturday versus the Mid-Huron Huskies, they got back in the win column--with a little drama.
Things started out beautifully for the IceDogs. Some early saves by Owen W. led to a flurry of chances at the other end but the Husky tendy was equal to the task. Finally, Owen M-8 dug won one of those all important board battles and fed wingman Simon J. for a quick shot (that Coach Josh loved!) and the IceDogs had the icebreaker with a minute to go in the first. Some more quick chances that fell short but the IceDogs had a well-deserved 1-0 lead at the first break.
The 2nd period was more of the same--lots of chances but the IceDogs just couldn't find the back of the net. Ethan S. would finally rip one top ched (off another nice board battle win by Owen M-8) and shortly after Austin L dug out the puck and Ethan capitalized again for a 3-0 IceDog lead and it looked like they had this one under control. But, as the coaches pointed out in the intermission, there were some worrisome trends creeping into the IceDog game--and a few odd man rushes had to be doused by Owen W. as the period came to a close.
Hoping to correct some the mistakes during the intermission, the talk didn't quite have the effect the Coaches were looking for. The IceDogs weren't able to correct their mistakes and paid dearly for it. The Huskies ripped off 4 goals on 4 shots (some of the lucky variety but make no mistake, they were the better team for about 9 minutes in the third). Suddenly, the IceDogs found themselves trailing 4-3 in a game they were in complete control of through 2 periods. But, one thing they have learned at the mid-way point of the season is that when they play the right way, they can get it back...and they did.
First, the energy line of Austin L and Owen M-10 went out and did what they do best--outwork, out hustle and get pucks to the net. Austin found the rebound and slid it home to tie things up at 4 with 4 minutes left to play. But the IceDogs weren't satisfied with a tie. Coach P. sent the trio of Brayden P-Riley J and Chris P over the boards for a final shift and they delivered. Beating the Huskies to loose pucks, Chris worked the puck to Brayden, who fed a wide-open Riley J in the slot for another quick shot and with 1:20 left to play, the IceDogs had their lead back. Owen W. had to make one more save from a tough angle to seal this one and the IceDogs had the win.
It was a win they deserved but they almost let it get away--a lesson they will have to cement away as the playoffs loom on the horizon.