Dogs On Ice

A weekly recap of a Niagara IceDogs home game as the boys make their final push to reach the 2014 playoffs

Monday, March 3, 2014

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!


4 comments:

  1. it takes a dedicated hockey lover to sit in the stands and support the local guys when they are on a losing streak. Never give up the fight! Just wait till they are in their new home and back to winning

    ReplyDelete
  2. That video shows exactly what I'm thinking - and you're right, those refs need glasses!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I played competitive hokcey for 12 years, and whether it is in peewee girls hockey, or in the NHL officiating always lends a hand in the outcome of the game. it can be truly frustrating when the refs can ruin the fairness of the game. Thanks for sharing this Kyle, I really enjoyed reading this post! Keep it up!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I've only gone to two hockey games.
    Once with my father and the second to take photos.
    I got to admit that even though I don't follow the games regularly, it is a lot of fun and it can be very intense.
    I need to go sometime soon again!

    ReplyDelete