Ice Dogs take down Newcastle in 4-3 Shootout Win

The Sydney Ice Dogs faced the Newcastle Northstars on Saturday, in the home opener at Macquarie Ice Rink. The action packed game exceeded all expectations, with a large crowd cheering for the Dogs in the much awaited rivalry game that marked the beginning of the 2018 AIHL season.  

The first period remained scoreless despite many good chances. With 15 minutes in the books the teams hit the ice for the second period. The Dogs took the lead with just under five and a half minutes played in the second, when Strat Allen scored his first of the season. Assists on Allen’s goal went to Geordie Wudrick and Grant Toulmin. Despite a solid effort, the Northstars Zane Jones was able to tie the game just over a minute later. 

The two teams entered the third period tied at one a piece. Sydney headed to the power play for the third time during the night at the 18 minute mark when Northstar Patrick Ward was called for hooking. The Ice Dogs were able to capitalise on this opportunity a minute later, when Canadian import Nathan Chiarlitti scored in his debut. The goal was assisted by fellow import Grant Toulmin. Soon after however, Newcastle was again able to tie the game on the power play. 

The Dogs were given another power play opportunity with 5 minutes left on the clock and newly signed Ice Dog Geordie Wudrick made sure the puck was able to find the back of the net, giving the home team the lead. 

However, a final Newcastle goal with minutes remaining tied the game at the end of regulation, sending the Ice Dogs to a shootout for the first time since 2016. Goaltender Nick Mizen stopped all four shots he faced in the shootout and Strat Allen was able to beat goaltender Dayne Davis to give Sydney the 4-3 shootout win. 

The Ice Dogs will travel to Adelaide this weekend to face the Adrenaline in back-to-back games.