The Sydney Ice Dogs faced the Newcastle North Stars on Sunday for the second time this season, last falling to the team the previous weekend. The thrilling game exceeded all expectations and Canadian import Rory Rawlyk completed his first AIHL hat trick.

From the beginning the Ice Dogs played hard to dominate the game. With 13:12 remaining in the first period Strat Allen was sent to the box for interference. Key saves by goalie Damien Ketlo held off the North Stars and the Dogs were able to successfully kill the penalty. Sydney headed to the penalty kill again with 3:37 remaining when Lachlan Shumak was called for holding. The North Stars took a 1-0 lead a minute and 36 seconds into the power play with a goal from Jonatan Ruth.

Sydney entered the second period trailing by a goal. Daniel Pataky was sent to the box with 13:05 remaining in the period when he was assessed a minor for high sticking. Soon after Shannon McGregor was given two minutes for roughing and 5 on 3 hockey ensued. Newcastle furthered its lead on the 5 on 3 advantage when Joseph Harcharik was able to find the back of the net. A sliding save by Damien Ketlo with 7:56 left on the clock stopped the North Stars from getting another one on the board and with 6:51 left the Dogs headed to the power play when Matt Lindsay was called for tripping. David Ferrari headed to the box for roughing with 5:02 left on the clock but the power play was cut short when Rory Rawlyk was given two minutes for slashing. Scott Stephenson halved Newcastle's lead with 3:35 left when he beat Newcastle’s Charlie Smart. The goal was assisted by Tomas Manco and Todd Stephenson.

A beautiful setup by Shannon McGregor gave Rory Rawlyk the opportunity he needed to tie the game with just 1:21 left on the clock and the two teams finished the second with two a piece.  

A too many men on ice call late in the second saw the Ice Dogs enter the third on a 1 minute and 32 second penalty kill. Sydney was able to successfully kill the penalty and the Dogs fought hard to maintain possession of the puck. The away team headed to the penalty kill for the final time in the night with 12:31 left when captain Scott Stephenson was given 2 minutes on a delay of game call. Again the Dogs fought hard and Damien Ketlo made key saves to keep the game tied.

Rory Rawlyk gave Sydney their first lead in the game halfway through the final 20 minutes when he scored his second goal of the night. The goal was assisted by Scott Stephenson and James Marino. A scramble in front of the net with 8:02 remaining left Damien Ketlo shaken up briefly but somehow the puck stayed out and Sydney continued play with the one goal lead.

With a just a minute and a half left in the game the North Stars pulled the goalie Charlie Smart. Rory Rawlyk completed his hat trick seconds later, scoring on the empty net and guaranteeing the win.

Damien Ketlo continued his brilliant play stopping 48 of the 50 shots he faced and Scott Stephenson and Rory Rawlyk both had a multi point night. Sydney will play Canberra at home next Saturday night in a sure to be action packed game.

Grab tickets for the game here: https://goo.gl/31qbRU