The Sydney Ice Dogs took on the Brave in Canberra in a fast paced game on Sunday night for the second of the two meetings this weekend.  

Sydney entered the game coming off a 2-4 loss to the Brave the previous night but despite this, the Ice Dogs played well and were able to get on the score board six minutes into the game. The power play goal was Grant Toulmin’s fourth of the season and assists went to Rory Rawlyk and Todd Stephenson. Sydney finished out the first with a 1-0 lead over the Brave.

Canberra tied the game 10 minutes into the second with a goal from Stephen Blunden. Despite a hard fought effort from the Dogs, the goal was the only one to find the back of the net in the second for both teams, due in part to Damien Ketlo who saved 15 of the 16 shots he faced in the period.

A goal five minutes into the final period gave Canberra the lead. Nine minutes later the Dogs tied the game when captain Scott Stephenson scored his second of the season. Sydney continued to work together and dominate the game but with just under two minutes remaining Canberra took a lead with a lucky goal from Jan Safar. Soon after the Ice Dogs pulled their goalie giving them an extra player but unfortunately the Brave’s Stephen Blunden scored on the empty net, securing the win for the home team.

The penalty count for both sides added up, with 46 minutes worth of penalties being called in the third alone between the two teams. Both Brave defenseman Dominic Jalbert and Ice Dogs forward Dave Dunwoodie were ejected with 8:50 left on the clock. Despite the loss Damien Ketlo continued to shine, saving 35 of the 38 shots he faced and the defense stepped up, keeping it close the entire game.

A hard fought game but the Dogs rally fell short. The next game is June 10th against the Bears after a break for the All Star Weekend.
Grab tickets for the June 10^th game here: https://goo.gl/31qbRU