GAME RECAP BULLDOGS Buffet Boys Date/Time Rink 8 1 05/03/2006 JIH

May 5th, 2006- The first two weeks of the season was fairly rough for the ‘Bulldogs’. They went 0-1-1, and several of the teams have been less than hospitable by welcoming them into the league with some hard knocks, taunts and other various attitudes. However, for the second week in a row, the ‘Dogs’ sent a message back tot the league, by steamrolling over another opponent, this time making quick work of the ‘Buffet Boys’ 8-1.

‘BB’ came into the game in a tie for third place, so the ‘Bulldogs’ knew they had their work cut out for them. They didn’t waste any time, as Eric Carr scored with just over five minutes into the game. He skated past several defenders and put up a shot that appeared to go directly through goalie Thomas Bulow. With that goal, the ‘Bulldogs’ saw the weakness in the ‘BB’ defense, and would utilize it for the remainder of the game. Joey F.V. added another goal midway through the period to put the ‘Dogs’ up 2-0.

The real excitement began near the end of the period when ‘BB’ center “Stuttering” John Marek slashed ‘Bulldog’ winger Sam Karim. After Sam slashed him back, the two went after one another as the officials attempted to intervene. While both players were being escorted to the penalty box, “Stuttering” John completely lost it and began spewing all kinds of incomprehensible phrases, all the while getting red in the face. In the end, it was Karim who was ejected when the official mistook a simple hand gesture as an obscenity. The ejection would cost him a two game suspension.

The second period resulted in more of the same. The ‘Bulldogs’ controlled the puck, the momentum and the scoring, while ‘BB’ resorted to cheap shots and trash talking. “We showed great poise by not playing down to their level” said Frank Lionello who scored the first goal of the period. “We just kept frustrating them and it showed by the fact that they lost their heads”. Lionello was assisted by Joey V., who made a perfect pass in front of the net.

Other second period goals were scored by Mike Montague (assisted by Maher Karim), and Joey F.V. (assisted by Sal Karim). Montague’s goal came on a power play after he missed 34 consecutive shots dating back to their game last week. This prompted the left handed Montague to comment “…someone give me a right-handed stick, I’ll probably have better luck from the other side.”

Brad Lipinski got the scoring started in the third period (assisted by Sal Karim) in what began to look like a rout. Joey F.V. (assisted by Carr) nabbed the hat-trick to add to the scoring. It was Van Grmimbergen’s 100^th career point in ‘Bulldog’ uniform, becoming the first player in franchise history to do so.

The final tally came courtesy of James Senne, who smashed a hard slapper from the blue line at the buzzer to close out the victory. The only down note in the period was a goal by ‘BB’ to ruin Alex Martinez’ bid for a shutout.

“It was a good game, especially by the defense” said Martinez. “They along with Sam [Karim] stepped up the physical play we have been longing for all season. Unfortunately, Sam’s time on the ice was short-lived.”

At 2-1-1, the ‘Bulldogs’ move into a third place tie. After a rough start this season, things are beginning to look up for this team. They need to ride this momentum through the next few weeks as they continue to climb in the standings.

The Bad:

 The Ugly:

Player of the Game:

Alex Martinez & Joey Van Grimbergen

Alex had his best game all season, stopping all but one shot. Joey F.V. nailed the hat trick, while registering his 100^th career point.

Next up: Sunday May 7, 2006 vs. the ‘Rockies’ at 7:00PM.