Raiders get a nasty poke in the eye

 

GAME RECAP BULLDOGS RAIDERS Date/Time Rink 12 5 05/23/2007 IIC, Romeoville, IL

May 25th, 2007- Maher Karim has always been labeled a grinder, goon or mucker. It's a distinction that he embraced early in his ice hockey career, but goal scorer? So when Bulldogs captain Joe Van Grimbergen announced the starting lineup against the Rrrrrrraiders this past Wednesday, who would have thought that the team goon would contribute to the 12-5 ass kicking win.

Starting on a line with rookie Chris Bednarek and crazy Karl Hayes, Maher took the opportunity on steadily and became a supporting cast member who stole the spotlight scoring 2 goals with several chances throughout the night.

"There is some recognition personally of the expectation for the line," said Maher. "When you go out with those players, you know you're expected to do more than just getting it deep and cycling the puck. You want to be a complete hockey player that is also contributing offensively when you can.

Chris Bednarek, the hard-nosed center who scored 4 goals and 3 assist against the Raiders has become Bulldog’s quintessential example of players stepping outside their comfort zone and playing out of character and going all out. He’s making everyone around him better and also giving opportunities for other stars like Joey Koehler who scored 3 goals of his own.

"The best defense is the offense and we have to spend as much time in their zone as possible." said Koehler after the game.

Even though the Raiders scored 5 goals, the game as not even close and the Bulldogs now get ready to face stiffer competition in the coming weeks.

Notes- Rookie Danny Bednarek was out due to an ankle injury while on a rock climbing expedition. Other Bulldogs out were Bill Nolan (still recovering from Vegas), Frank Lionello who was deported to Mexico (currently looking for a way back to the U.S.) and Steve the natural Varzino.

Tony Feeney has been sent to London, England for the next 30 days. He will be playing for the Bulldogs Europe affiliate the Manchester Queens.

• Offense: Passing, puck control, fore-checking and shots on goal.  
• Defense: Allot of Offense from this side of the fence keeping the puck out and in the Raiders zone for most of the game.

• Locker Room: The stories and blackmail from the Vegas trip. Recap of that event in the days to come.