Saint John, Note: Saint John Sea Dogs have been chomping for over a month, but their daily efforts are practically not in vain.
Ryan Francis Tie-breaker late in the first half By scoring his first two goals, he defeated the New Brunswick Hamilton Bulldogs 5-3, on Monday at TD Station, in the Anniversary Cup opening.
Sea Dogs is back in action after a 38-day hiatus following a surprise first-round exit against Rimouski Oceanic from the Quebec Major League Hockey League. So far they have won their last 15 matches on the regular schedule, and 26 of their last 28 pre-qualifier matches.
The decline in matches led to the dismissal of coach Jordi Dwyer. Gardiner McDougall, who headed the hockey program at the University of New Brunswick, intervened with former strongman Rocky Thompson.
The electric shock seemed to have worked, while Sea Dogs, dressed in uniforms honoring Canadian Forces veterans, played their part with conviction.
“It weighs us down.”
“Of course we had our doubts, but we were also confident,” said striker William Dufour. target author for sea dogs.
“We used to practice five or six times a week in and out of the snow, but it was worth it. It was tough mentally as well. But it was nice to be back tonight. We were in great shape and it paid off.”
In addition to goalsFrancis also had an assist, while his teammates Philip Doust and Ravis Christians Ansons each had three assists.
Jan Kuznetsov And Peter Reynolds, in the empty net, also hit the home team’s goal in the tournament. Nicholas Hertobis saved 17 balls.
Hurtubise saved the match to the best of his ability just over five minutes ago into the second half and Sea Dogs was leading 3-1. He made a good lateral move to his right to thwart Avery Hayes on the Bulldogs’ two-man attack on the goalkeeper.
“It was a big stop for us, Hurtubise admitted. Sometimes, that’s what you need to pick up speed in a match.
“It’s my job to tackle this way and I’m glad I did.”
Francis scored a goal a few minutes later, giving the Sea Dogs a protection that lasted until the end of the game despite the Ontario Champions trying to come back.
“It started with the goalkeeper, then our defensive guys who were really good at facing a big attack,” McDougall said. Our attackers played well throughout the game and did a good forward check.
“St. John owes it to the working class and we had a little of that at our game tonight.”
The Bulldogs swept the first three rounds of the OHL Playoffs before they needed seven games to defeat the Windsor Spitfires in the final.
Their stars were kept on probation for long periods against sea dogs. Then their attempt to return failed.
“We looked tired. We weren’t mentally alert in the game,” said Bulldogs coach Jay McKee.
“Sea Dogs haven’t seen the best version of Bulldogs tonight,” he added.
Ryan Winterton scored two goals and one assist and Hayes had one goal and one assist. Logan Morrison received three assists and Marco Costantini stopped 30 shots.
The Shawinigan Cataractes, the QMJHL champions, and the Edmonton Oil Kings, the WHL champions, will begin their run on Tuesday.
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