The Sydney Ice Dogs took home a close 3-2 shootout win against the Bears on Saturday night in the second instalment of the battle of Sydney.

The Bears took the first lead of the night in the opening 15 minutes with a goal from Jeremy Vasquez. Despite many good chances the Ice Dogs weren’t able to respond with a goal of their own by the end of the period. Goaltender Curtis Skip continued to make key saves throughout, ensuring that it stayed a one goal game - including an impressive glove save with just minutes remaining.

After a period of flaring tensions, the teams hit the ice for the second period. Canadian forward Nathan Chiarlitti was able to beat Bears goaltender Anthony Kimlin to tie the game up for the Ice Dogs just over halfway through the period. The impressive goal was assisted by Grant Toulmin and Dave Dunwoodie.

A nail-biting third period saw the Bears again take the lead, with a powerplay goal scored just under the halfway mark of the period. With the clock winding down, the Ice Dogs’ Grant Toulmin responded to the Bears goal with one of his own, with just five minutes remaining in the game.

A final penalty, served by Tomas Manco with 2:21 left on the clock was successfully killed, sending the game to a shootout. Geordie Wudrick was up first and slipped the puck past Bears goaltender Anthony Kimlin. This was followed by Nathan Chiarlitti who was narrowly stopped, despite a solid chance. Grant Toulmin scored the final shootout goal, allowing the Ice Dogs to take with them two of the three points on offer.

With the All Star Weekend planned for the following week, the next time the Dogs hit the ice will be at home will be when they take on the Mustangs on Sunday the 10th of June.

Tickets are available at: https://goo.gl/KXFXSo