GAME RECAP BULLDOGS Storm Date/Time Rink 9 1 01/22/2006 The Edge Ice arena

January 23rd, 2006- Facing them for the first time since their championship victory last August, the ‘Bulldogs’ highly anticipated rematch against the two-time champion ‘Storm’ almost didn’t happen.

The ‘Storm’ considered forfeiting, due to a shortage of goaltenders. The organization spent hours that evening tying up the phone lines at their corporate office, desperately searching the waiver wire and contacting their farm clubs for a possible replacement. Shortly before game time, they got their man from the team’s Junior Hockey affiliate in Chihuahua, Mexico. Unfortunately for the rookie his debut was shaky as the ‘Bulldogs’ welcomed him to the league with a 9-1 drubbing.

Bill Nolan started the scoring, less than four minutes into the first period. It wasn’t the prettiest shot (at least by Nolan’s standards), but it had just enough to trickle past the goalie. The ‘Bulldogs’ would go on two score two more in the period, one by Mike Montague (assisted by Aaron Sejud) and another by Joey F.V. (also assisted by Sejud). The lone goal scored by the ‘Storm’ came with 4.9 seconds left and should never have happened.

Jason Darfler was called for a penalty with 2:25 left in the first, stopping the clock. The score keeper did not restart the clock for ten seconds following the penalty, thus extending the period, and giving the ‘Storm’ a gratuitous tally.

In the second period, the ‘Bulldogs’ turned it up a notch as they dominated the hapless ‘Storm’ in every aspect. They moved the puck well and snuffed their opponents on every attack.  They also scored thrice on goals by Darfler (assisted by Joey V.), and two more goals by Joey. Joey’s hat-trick goals were assisted by James Senne and Sal Karim respectively.

Leading 6-1 with a running clock in the third period, the ‘Bulldogs’ could have easily coasted. They chose to go for the kill, tallying three more goals. The scores came from Joey V. (assisted by Nolan), Darren Diamond (assisted by Montague) and Darfler unassisted. Their relentlessness also frustrated several ‘Storm’ players who began throwing cheap shots and verbal assaults, leading to a couple penalties and an ejection.

“With two blowout victories under our belt, I hope our guys don’t get too complacent” said Alex Martinez. “The biggest problem I saw during this first week [BHL’s debut] was perhaps the short benches of several clubs, causing them to use unproven back-up goalies. Once most of the team’s have gotten their rosters in-order, we should expect to see some better competition.

“Because we are a league that tries to keep some sort of semblance; I would only like to send a reminder to the other GM’s that they should have all players registered on the roster if they intend to use them in the future. The roster will be closed after the third game, so everyone's roster should be handed in as soon as possible. Any club caught with players not on the roster after the third game will result in a forfeit, and getting the team slapped with a fine and a loss.”

At 2-0, the ‘Bulldogs’ sit atop the standings. They have ten games remaining to qualify for the playoffs and win the coveted ‘BEER MUG’ at season’s end. If they can maintain the same rythym they have in their first two games, expect to see them at the Allstate Arena (site of the ‘BEER MUG’ championship game).

Side Bar- The Bulldogs opener was this past Thursday against the Cobra's played at the Hoffman Estates Ice Arena... The Bulldogs won 9-2 to open up the season.. The recap was not available in time for publishing. Many apologies from the Chicago Bulldogs Editorial Staff...

• Offense: The ‘Dogs’ attacked the net relentlessly, scoring many of their goals on tip-ins and rebounds.

• Defense: The defense quarterbacked many of the attacks by passing it up the ice to the right man. This led to many odd-man rushes and created plenty of opportunities.
• Goaltending: Through two games, Martinez has surrendered only three goals. Last season in the CIDHL, it was not uncommon for him to give up that many in one period.

The Bad:

• Pre-game Scrimmage: The newly formed Fuddy-Duddy League (FDL) played on the ice prior to the start of Sunday’s game featuring lame has-beens and never-will-be’s such as the Unabomber and Scruffer McGee. Their pathetic play resembled the ‘Bulldogs’ first season on ice.

Player of the Game:

Joey V.: Joey scored four goals and registered an assist to lead all players.

Next up: Thursday Jan. 26, 2006 at 10:30 vs. the ‘Cobras’ (Hoffman Estates)