IceDogs Rein in the Colts

"Lets go IceDogs!" and "Come on boys!" These continuous chants and the unbelievably loud noise that accompanied them by the Niagara faithful demonstrated the importance of Sunday afternoon's battle with the Barrie Colts. The matchup had an intense feeling of desperation as the two points were critical for both teams and their playoff positioning. The IceDogs appeared ready for war in what was the most important game of their season to date.

The boys showed it by striking quickly just seconds into the game with a goal by forward Billy Jenkins. In the second period, Barrie tied it but neither the fans nor the players were fazed. Niagara immediately got back to business and absolutely rocked the Colts with a four goal counter attack to take a 5-1 lead! Thanks to a 46 save performance by goaltender Brent Moran and a solid effort by his teammates, Niagara sealed the deal and sent the fans home in a frenzy with a 5-2 victory.

The Niagara players showed the heart, determination and commitment they have to getting the club into the playoffs. When Barrie attempted to provoke a fight, the boys remained focused. When the IceDogs took a lead, they didn't sit back and relax, they kept taking the fight to their opponent. It was a hell of a performance and a well-deserved victory.

Kyle's Picks

Top Dog - Brent Moran for his 46 saves and the PK units for killing all nine penalties

 

Under Dog - Billy Jenkins for scoring the important first goal to set the tone of the game

 

Junkyard Dog - EACH Niagara IceDog player for playing a key role in the victory

This week I'll cover the game against the Mississauga Steelheads on Friday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m. This will not be a traditional home game however. I will be invading the Mississauga Steelheads' home arena, The Hershey Centre, with the rest of the Niagara faithful as part of the 7th Man Convoy. We will be packing several coach buses Friday evening and heading into enemy territory to cheer on the IceDogs and help them win a game that will clinch a 2014 playoff position. Niagara enters play in seventh place in the Eastern Conference.

 .

 

 

My prediction: A HUGE VICTORY for Niagara

 

Until next week,

Go Dogs Go! 

Mississauga (And Refs) Defeat IceDogs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Niagara and the Mississauga Steelheads clashed last Thursday for a pivotal matchup. Mississauga drew first blood and proceeded to smother Niagara with a relentless forecheck. Niagara got a few chances but just couldn’t finish. Forward Cody Caron, frustrated with the effort, dropped the gloves with Steelhead Damian Bourne to try and spark the boys. It was a vicious fight with both players throwing absolute bombs.

In the third period, the ‘Dogs came out fired up and evened the score less than a minute in on a Jordan Maletta goal, who returned to the game after suffering a brutal hit from behind that the referee somehow missed. Niagara fell behind again but appeared to tie it up thereafter. Unfortunately, the goal was denied because “the player forced the puck into the net”...the refereeing was horrible in this one folks.  The countless missed calls and this terribly vague ruling exemplified it.

Ultimately, Mississauga got the key two points. Niagara didn't play great but they were never out of the fight. With better officiating, they may have pulled off a win.

The image below shows exactly how the Niagara fans felt about the referees in this game

There was lots of booing...and lots of hand gestures...



 

Kyle’s Picks

Top Dog - Cody Caron for inspiring his teammates with that ruthless fight!

Under Dog – Defenseman Aleksandar Mikulovich for his good defensive and offensive play

Junkyard Dog – Jordan Maletta for scoring a critical goal, superb penalty killing and returning after suffering a terrible hit-from-behind.

This week I’ll cover the game against the Barrie Colts on Sunday, March 9 at 2:00 p.m. Niagara enters play in eighth place in the Eastern Conference.

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Prediction: A tough VICTORY for Niagara

Until next week,
Go Dogs Go!