GAME RECAP BULLDOGS BLADES Date/Time Rink 5 5 09/16/2005 American

September 19th, 2005- Last season, the ‘Bulldogs’ reduced their penalties considerably resulting in a more disciplined game plan and the league championship. Through two games this season, they have accumulated thirteen penalties and four ejections resulting in an astounding 76 penalty minutes. Friday night’s game was no exception as the ‘Bulldogs’ regressed to their old brand of ‘thuggery’ costing them the victory against the ‘Black Bears’. The game ended in a 5-5 tie, despite the fact that the ‘Dogs’ had the lead for the majority of the game

The ‘Dogs’ scored about five minutes into the opening period on a goal by Joey V. (assisted by Jason Darfler). It appeared as though Joey has struck again moments later, but the officials overturned the goal, citing that the ‘Dogs’ had a player in the crease. Nonetheless, the ‘Dogs’ did take a 2-0 lead when the ‘Black Bear’ defenseman deflected a shot into the net off the stick of Jeremy Campbell (assisted by James Senne).

The ‘Bears’ trimmed the margin about thirty seconds later when they took advantage of a 3-on-1 breakaway after the ‘Bulldog’ defense pinched too far into the attacking zone.

The ‘Dogs’ began the second period short-handed with a 5-on-3 disadvantage. However, they prevented their opponents from scoring while posting a short-handed goal of their own. With 13:20 remaining in the period, Darfler surprised the ‘Bears’ by leaping out of the penalty box as his penalty had expired. At the same time Ryne Gerstner stole the puck, brought it up the ice and passed it to Darfler who deposited his slapper right past the goalie to give his club the 3-1 lead.

The ‘Bulldogs’ should have taken advantage of their momentum in the period, but seven penalties in the period killed any chance of that. The only other ‘Bulldog’ goal in the period was another shorty, this time by Joey V. The ‘Black Bears’ scored twice more to close out the period trailing 4-3. Although the ‘Dogs’ had killed all of their penalties up to that point, they had gone to the well too often and the ‘Bears’ finally got one past the stingy penalty killing unit.

The end of the period also saw a scuffle ensued between Sam Karim and a member of the ‘Bears’ after a hard hit against the boards. Karim’s temper got the best of him as he earned himself an ejection for jawing at the referee.

The third period did not begin well for the ‘Bulldogs’, with one player gone, and another serving his penalty, the ‘Bulldogs were now short two players. If that wasn’t bad enough, Darfler and Gerstner each received a penalty of their own, giving them a total of three men in the box and a 5-on-3 disadvantage.

The ‘Bears’ finally tied the game at four apiece, after catching the ‘Bulldogs’ pinching again. The ‘Dogs’ had surrendered a two goals lead in less than ten minutes. However, Gerstner gave the ‘Dogs’ the lead again after his backhander trickled past the goalie with just under five minutes into the game.

The ‘Bears’ responded quickly by again tying the score less than a minute later on a controversial goal. The controversy led to James Senne arguing with the referee, eventually earning himself an ejection. It proved to be costly as the ‘Dogs’ were unable to break the deadlock in the final four minutes of the game.

“To be honest, the Bears looked like a shitty team.” said an angry Alex Martinez. They played in a higher division last season and finished in second place. We outplayed them yet they were very happy to escape the game with a tie. We should have beaten this team easily, but instead we once again [screwed] ourselves. We could pass blame around saying that I could have goal tended better, that the offense could have done this and that and all of the things the defense could have done differently. The bottom line is that penalties cost us the win and again we settled
for a tie.

It also seemed what should have been a two minute penalty evolved into a ten because we lacked discipline. We had a total of forty two minutes in penalties and two ejections. This not only gives the team a bad reputation with the refs, but also it leaves us shorthanded. We played [crappy] and didn’t protect the lead. This cannot continue if we expect to win.

At this point here is where we stand. The league has informed me that Sam [Karim] has been suspended for one game. The suspension is justified in my opinion. Keep your pie hole shut and serve your penalty. Bad calls and penalties are part of the game and you need to accept that. If you can’t deal it then quit. Go play another sport. Grow the [expletive] up you big baby

As for James [Senne], your jersey has an ‘A’ sewed on it for a reason. You also have extended experience as a ref and you, better than anyone should know that kind of behavior will not be tolerated by the zebras. Rather than complain, bitch and moan we should take the abuse and stick it to them by winning the game or nailing them later.

Right mow I’m totally [peeved]. Our club has totally taken a step back instead of improving. We are beginning to look like monkey [dung]. “

• Pinching: Four of the five ‘Bear’ goals were scored as a result of the ‘Bulldog’ defense pinching too far up into the offensive zone.

• Penalties: When you accumulate a total of 40 penalty minutes, chances are you will not win the game. The ‘Dogs’ should consider themselves lucky to have come away with a tie.

• Ejections: Jeez!

Player of the Game:

Joey F. V. : Joey demonstrated great leadership by scoring two goals, despite constant cheap shots from the ‘Black Bears’. It would have been easy for him to throw off the gloves and retaliate, but he showed great poise and discipline by staying focused. Several ‘Bulldogs’ could learn a thing or two from Joey

Next up: Sept 25, 2005 in the CIDHL