Ice Dogs Take Down the Bears |
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The Sydney Ice Dogs faced the Sydney Bears for the first time since moving to their new shared home at Macquarie Ice Rink on Saturday. The actioned packed derby exceeded all expectations, with a large crowd cheering for the Dogs in the much awaited rivalry game that marked the beginning of the 2017 AIHL season.
From the beginning the Ice Dogs maintained possession of the puck and worked cohesively to dominate the game. With just under 11 minutes remaining in the first period, forward Dave Dunwoodie was sent to the box for interference. Excellent work by goalie Damien Ketlo held off the Bears and the Dogs were able to successfully kill the penalty. Dunwoodie was sent to the box again for hooking with 8:26 left in the period and again the Dogs were able to prevent the Bears from finding the back of the net.
The Dogs put themselves on the board with 5:20 to go in the first period, when newly signed NHL draft pick Stephen Johnston beat Sydney Bears goalie Anthony Kimlin on a beautiful opportunity made possible by Grant Toulmin. The goal gave the Dogs a 1-0 lead at the end of the first.
With 15 minutes in the books the teams hit the ice for the second period. The Dogs were awarded their first power play of the night when Robert Covino of the Bears was sent to the box for tripping with 12:52 left to play. The power play was cut short as Andrew White was called for boarding with 11:55 left in the period and the rivals skated 4 on 4 for just over a minute.
The Dogs were given a second power play with 9:49 left in the second when Bears captain Michael Schlamp was assessed a minor for hooking. The Dogs were unable to score on the power play but fought hard.
With just over 5 minutes left in the period Bears Tyerell Clare was called for holding, sending the Dogs to the power play for a third time and although creating many chances, they were unable to capitalise on the opportunity.
The teams skated 4 on 4 for 2 minutes with 4:03 left in the period when Dogs Todd Stephenson was called for goalie interference and Bears Brent Vandenberg for roughing. The Dogs wrapped up the second still holding a 1-0 lead over the Bears.
The Sydney teams entered the third period at even strength. An unreal save from Damien Ketlo at 18:15 stopped the game from becoming tied and not long after the Dogs headed to the power play again when James Marino was assessed a minor for tripping.
With 13:40 left on the clock the Dogs headed to the penalty kill after captain Scott Stephenson was called for slashing. 4 on 4 hockey soon ensued as Bears Brent Vandenberg was assessed a minor for hooking.
The Dogs were given two more power plays and the puck found the back of the net with 6:05 left on the clock, however the goal was quickly waived off by officials. A final power play was awarded at 3:19 when Bears Tomas Landa was given 2 minutes for tripping. The Dogs wrapped up the game with a 1-0 win over the Sydney Bears.
The team played hard to prevent the Bears from scoring and newly signed Canadian goalie Damien Ketlo dazzled in his debut, making 19 saves for his first AIHL shutout.
The Ice Dogs are set to host the Perth Thunder next Saturday. |
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Player | Points |
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Strat Allen | 39 |
Brandon Egli | 36 |
Dmitri Kuleshov | 35 |
Jeremy Vasquez | 30 |
Kyle Hunter | 20 |
Cameron Todd | 16 |
Daniel Pataky | 13 |
Brady Heppner | 10 |
Samuel Ivanic | 8 |
Team | GP | W | L | OTW | OTL | CP | PTS |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bears | 26 | 21 | 5 | 0 | 0 | -3 | 60 |
Mustangs | 26 | 17 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 55 |
Thunder | 26 | 17 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 52 |
Ice | 26 | 10 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 30 |
Ice Dogs | 26 | 7 | 17 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 23 |
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