Rolling Meadows, IL- Alternate Captain Jason Darfler was simply happy that the Chicago Bulldogs had enough players as news traveled fast that several Bulldogs players would not be playing to due family emergencies, oversleeping, not caring and Thanksgiving food comma.

Another shocker was that the Bulldogs would be playing a game without a Karim!

Both Sam Karim and team captain Maher Karim were nowhere to be seen thus leaving Alternate Jason Darfler in charge.

Despite playing without some regulars and the Karim’s the Chicago Bulldogs made due with several key substitution players from their minor league affiliate and made it a game against the first place “OS”

OS looked very much like the team who is on top of the division, attacking the Bulldogs often and early in the first period. However it may have been a small case of underestimating the Bulldogs as center Mike Montague took a pass from veteran Tony Feeney and scored for the Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs lead would be short lived as OS scored on a power play goal to tie and finish first period action.

In between periods you could hear the huffing and puffin from the veteran players. Tony Feeney had an “I forgot the beer and when should I tell them” look on his face, while Bill Nolan was asking when nap time was.

Once the second period started, OS again attacked the Bulldogs offensive zone making the Bulldogs defense work overtime. Taking shots from the points and stopping a few one timers Martinez was on top of his game, while defenders made it difficult for OS to gain any confidence in front of the net.

With the game still tied a one goal each, Mike Montague would once again light it up posting his second goal of the game thanks to a break out pass from defender Mitch LaBuda.

Moments later OS would again tie it up from another shot from the point through traffic and scored again in the second to take the lead for good.

Third period, the Bulldogs battled hard, but failed to capitalize on some power play opportunities. Martinez was stellar on net throughout the game, but you can’t stop them all. Martinez would allow another goal in the third resulting in the Bulldogs losing their fourth straight game.

“I think the guys played tough” commented Alternate Captain Jason Dafler. Darfler continued “I saw allot of good things out there, we just could not get it done tonight. Will make the needed adjustments and get better from tonight lose”.

• Goaltending: Alex Martinez stopped 36 of 40 shots and kept the Dogs in this game till the bitter end.
• Defense: The Bulldog defenders held their own and then some with playing tough in front of the net and making a few saves of their own.

• The Point! Want a clue on how to beat the Bulldogs? Shoot from the points. OS had all sorts of time setting up at the point and firing at will.

• Old and Slow: Haven’t seen some of the Bulldogs in action in awhile and is it me or did they just get allot older? Step it up, boys as we don’t have the young guns to carry this team. Time to earn your keep or time to hand them up.

•  Alex Martinez: What can I say, the boy was on fire, making almost impossible saves look easy.
• Phil Manno: Being a “Bi-Sexual” hockey player due to his ability to play offense and defense, Phil contributed heavily taking on shots from the points, moving players in the crease and even creating some havoc on the offensive side for the Bulldogs.
• Mike Montague: With his 2 goals of the game, Monty now leads the Bulldogs in Points and Goals for now.

Next up: NWF on Friday 12/02/2011 at 9:15pm.