GAME RECAP BULLDOGS STORM Date/Time Rink 6 3 08/26/2005 West Rink

August 27th, 2005- Despite a successful regular season, the ‘Dogs’ were still huge underdogs against the three time champion ‘Storm’, in the EAHL title game Friday night. If that wasn’t enough, all four ‘Bulldog’ defensemen, and two forwards would be unavailable for the game, leaving the ‘Bulldogs with only nine skaters. Nevertheless, they showed up with every intention to win, doing so in a real dogfight, 6-3.

The ‘Dogs’ scored less than a minute into the game on Ryne Gerstner’s unassisted goal. The ‘Storm’ didn’t make things easy for the ‘Bulldogs’ with their strong defensive presence. Their only hope was to catch themselves a break on an odd man rush or a breakaway. One such break occurred near the end of the first period. Shorthanded, Brad Avi stole the puck in the neutral zone and passed it forward to Gerstner. Gerstner passed it back to Avi who cut in through the slot and scored. It was a gratifying moment for Avi, who missed most of the season with a knee injury.

The ‘Dogs’ continued their solid play throughout the second period. They played conservative offense, concentrating most of their attention on a preventive defense. The approach seemed successful up to that point as they jumped ahead 4-0, thanks to two more goals by Gerstner. Unfortunately, the ‘Dogs’ were dealt a severe blow, as Mike Mancuso went down with a knee injury. As Mancuso limped to the locker room, the ‘Bulldogs’ could only shake their heads in unison, as they were left with only five forwards.

The ‘Storm’ finally got on the board when they scored with just over three minutes left in the period. The goal seemed to give them new life as they began to take advantage of their undermanned opponents.

The ‘Bulldogs’ knew that all they had to do was protect their 4-1 lead in the third period to take home the crown. It wasn’t going to be easy. They were fatigued, beaten and playing with tired legs. It showed early in the period as the resurgent ‘Storm’ scored two quick goals, to narrow the margin to 4-3.

Facing a monumental collapse, the ‘Bulldogs’, needed to reach deep and dig harder. “We could have let fatigue get the better of us, but we didn’t” said Maher Karim. “Was I tired? You bet I was, but when they got those two goals something clicked inside. Like my teammates, I got my second wind and stepped it up. We’d come this far and there was no way we were going to let anyone steal what was rightfully ours.”

With their newfound energy, the ‘Bulldogs’ defense smothered the opposition, while maintaining control of the puck. Joey F.V. scored the biggest goal of the game, with just over six minutes left on a rebound that essentially killed the ‘Storm’s’ momentum. It was the ‘Dogs’ first goal in over fifteen minutes and gave them the boost they so desperately needed. Gerstner added his fourth goal a couple minutes later that sealed the deal and gave the team the title.

“We did it!” said Alex Martinez. “We started the season in first place and we never looked back. On Friday night the ‘Bulldogs’ won their first League Championship, beating the three time Champion "Storm". I was a bit nervous not having our core players for the game, but overall everyone stepped it up. Joey, who is normally a quiet Captain spoke before the game and set up the lines. Sam [Karim], who is notorious for talking shit to the opponents, instead used his vocal cords for more positive things during the game. Brad Avi, who looked nervous out there contributed highly on D and made some keys plays throughout the night. All in all everyone played well. “

” I do want to add that Ryne, played one hell of a game as he has all season. He played with a lot of heart and his passing confused the ‘Storm’ at times when they double and triple teamed him. Maher also played a great game and if I forgot anyone, I’m sorry, but please know that everyone played great and we are now the CHAMPS! Also, a special thanks to Jason [Darfler] and James [Senne]. I know it must have killed them not to have been able to play, but I believe that we utilized all of their training in practice and executed it during this game.  Thanks again for your patience with us as we are still growing as a team, and thank you for not giving up on us.”

It was a bittersweet end for the ‘Bulldogs’. In their fourth season in the EAHL, they have gone from league doormat to league champs, with primarily the same players. Since the EAHL has now officially disbanded, the ‘Bulldogs’ bid farewell as the league’s final champions. They will now move into the highly competitive CIDHL in the fall. Good luck to them and congratulations on a highly successful season.

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Next up: Sept 7, 2005 in the CIDHL