Jan 19, 2025 | Kevin Waddell | 67 views
Battle At The Top Of the Standings
The U13A Icedogs travelled to Shallow Lake to take on the Black team to see who is the top Dog.
With the Icedogs having the fewest goals against in the standings, and Shallow Lake with the most goals for, everyone knew this was going to be one heck of game.
The dressing room was quiet prior to the game with every player sitting calmly, preparing mentally before the puck drop. Something every coach loves to see.
The Icedogs were ready to play right out of the gate, and both teams took a few minutes to gauge their opponents. The Icedogs worked hard in thwarting any zone entry attempts, and there were many opportunities in the Shallow Lake end, but the rebounds were left unattended.
With about 4 minutes left in the 1st, Braydon N would get called for some creative stick work and was sent to the sin bin for a tripping. Shallow Lake would capitalize on the power play just a minute later and give them a 1-0 lead heading into the second period.
The 1 goal deficit did not deter the Icedogs one bit. After a few missed attempts the Icedogs would get on the board just 3 minutes into the second. Gabe S chipped the puck out to Seth H who fired a hard low shot on net and Liam M fired the rebound into the open cage.
The game carried on and the Icedogs found themselves on the penalty kill shortly after, with Cole W in the box on a questionable cross check. The Icedogs killed off the penalty and Cole F made some dandy stops when needed.
As the period ticked on, Shallow Lake took advantage of some tired Icedogs legs and walked in to take the 2-1 with only a minute left in the 2nd.
During the break for the flood, the message to the team was simple, keep doing what you are doing and lets get after those rebounds.
The Icedogs set the pace for the 3rd period with many chances to even things up. Many attempts were just inches from evening up the score.
As the clock wound down, the official decided to send Seth H to the box for a collision and deemed it body checking. This happened shortly after Hunter G was hauled down and left to crash into the end boards with no call. . A very questionable call but the Icedogs would make their point. A picture perfect penalty kill kept Shallow Lake pretty much pinned in their own end and their frustration ended with an interference penalty of their own.
A bit of 4 on 4 hockey didn't result in too much and just as the man advantage expired for the Icedogs, an almost carbon copy of the Icedogs first goal happened again. Harley M swatted the puck out to Cole W who fired a wrister at the Shallow Lake net and yet again, Liam M pumped the rebound into the twine.
With 2 minutes left to play, the Lakers stacked their line for the final two minutes. The Icedogs made one small line change to thwart off their attempt and the well played game ended in a 2-2 tie.
There were a lot of red faced and sweaty kids after this one but they all knew they played one heck of game. A tie means the U13A have yet to be defeated in regulation and are still holding the lowest points against so far in the regular season. A great game and all the players can hold their heads high after that game.
Sadly, there won't be any write ups for the next 3 games as coach Kevin is away for work Monday and his son has a tournament in Fort Erie next weekend. Coach Jake will take care of the lines while I am away.
Keep up the good work Icedogs!!! See you at practice.