GAME RECAP BULLDOGS Bandits Date/Time Rink 0 9 04/08/2006 Allstate Arena

April 10th, 2006- In their two previous match-ups with the ‘Bandits’, the ‘Bulldogs’ lost by a cumulative score of 17-2. For the championship game, they were hoping to ride the momentum of last week’s playoff victory after barely limping into the playoffs. Unfortunately, on Saturday afternoon they squared up against the undefeated ‘Bandits’ and lost 9-0, to close out the inaugural BHL season. The game was played in front of a crowd of approximately 1000 patrons at the Allstate Arena.

The ‘Dogs’ looked sharp early, moving the puck and staying in sync with their line mates. However, they appeared overmatched by their faster opponents giving up four goals in the first period. They would resort to playing an undisciplined game, forgetting about their game plan. By the end of the first period the score was 4-0.

The ‘Bulldogs’ failed to get anything going in the second period, despite two power play advantages. There was plenty of activity on several of their attacks, but nothing came of it as the ‘Bandits’ shut them down in impressive fashion. The ‘Bandits’ scored three goals themselves in the period, two of which were shorthanded to take a commanding lead into the final period 7-0.

There was no quit in the ‘Bulldogs’. They had played the latter half of the second period with much more intensity, and it began to show as the third period began. Despite trailing in shots on goal after the first period 15-3, the ‘Dogs’ posted 17 shots on goal in the final period and a half. They passed the puck well, and controlled it in the attacking zone. Their only real problem was they just happened to face ‘Bandit’ goalie Frank Roman, who was having the game of his life. He stopped everything the ‘Dogs’ threw at him, making highlight reel stop after stop.

The ‘Bulldog’ defense also picked up their game in the final period, giving up only one ‘legitimate goal. The ‘Bandits’ other goal came courtesy of Tony Feeney, who somehow slipped one into his own net for the final tally of the contest.

“It was a partially successful campaign” said Alex Martinez. “I want to thank all of the ‘Bulldogs’ for participating this past season. I am hoping that the BHL resumes in the fall, but at this time there are no guarantees.”

“I heard comments during our championship game from a player or two, and several fans that we should be proud that we at least made it this far. This was overheard during the game. I am disappointed to say the least, because I never gave up and I would expect that no one else would either. We need more practice and we have tons of work ahead of us if we expect a more successful future. Let’s wash away this past season and focus on the new one with new teams and a new venue.”

The ‘Bulldogs’ will resume play on Monday for the summer league at Johnnie’s Ice House. They hope to return next season to the BHL, as the league is expecting to expand to ten teams.

• Hustle: The ‘Dogs’ skated hard on every shift and fought for every loose puck.
• Shots on Goal: Despite having trouble getting their shots off early, the ‘Dogs’ bounced back, posting 20 shots on net, including 17 in the final two periods.

The Bad:

• Passing: Although improved, the ‘Bulldogs’ passing requires some more work.
• Power Plays: The ‘Bulldogs’ scored nothing on their two power play attempts, instead giving up two goals with the extra man advantage.

 The Ugly:

• Tony Feeney: Tony scored the only ‘Bulldog’ goal of the game. It was a thing of beauty as he snuck it past the goalie from the red line. Unfortunately, someone forgot to tell him that he was shooting at the wrong net giving the ‘Bandits’ their final goal of the day. Members of the Feeney family, sitting in the stands, wore paper bags and sombrero’s to avoid heckling from belligerent fans.
• Protesters: There are well over one million Polish residents in the Chicagoland area. About half of them showed up outside the Allstate Arena on Saturday to protest the championship game, in which they believed their beloved ‘White Eagles’ deserved to be playing. The ‘Eagles’ and their fan base need to let go of last week’s game (they lost to the ‘Bulldogs’ 6-3) which they believe was rigged by league officials and the referees.
• Chris (From the message boards on www.chicagobulldogshockey.com): “Chris” likes to send hate mail, and cynical messages to the ‘Bulldogs’ website. However, “Chris” tends to hide behind the computer instead of actually attending the games and making his presence known. If he is shy, we here at the staff would like to reward this young prick with an invitation. The ‘Bulldogs’ would like to cordially invite “Chris” to the awards dinner and banquet so that we can all meet this arrogant ass who has such an extensive vocabulary. Will “Chris” accept or will he stay at home playing Chicken Little?

Player of the Game:

• The ‘Bulldogs’ 2006 BHL team. They may have lost the game, but they played their hearts out the entire forty five minutes. Despite the fact that they were playing a more talented team, they never gave up and they never gave in.

Next up: New season at Johnnie’s Ice House.