A heated Dogs v Adrenaline rivalry gets hotter

After missing their top 3 defenceman the BANQ Ice Dogs collapsed 7-0 to the league leading Melbourne Ice on Sunday.  Anthony Wilson was out of the line up for the weekend, Tomas Manco was suspended for fighting in the last minute of the Adelaide game and Andrew White dropped the gloves sticking up for a teammate halfway through the first period in Melbourne. 

The whole in defence did give youngsters Shannon McGregor and Spencer Austin a full taste of AIHL action, a blooding that will pay off in the long term.  To make matters worse, Scott Stephenson was sent off for 10 minutes for most of the first period due to a misconduct.  “A simple miscommunication with the ref during the fight.  He was asking me to back away which I was and I asked him to watch the fight so he didn’t miss anything.  He thought I swore at him so I was sent off” explains Stephenson. 

Melbournes import Jason Baclig was on fire and led his team in a four goal second period that utlimately decided the game.  The Dogs weathered a four minute penalty kill at the start of the third period and played a smarter brand of hockey with a short bench.

“Melbourne has a top side this season.  We haven’t been on our game against them and they have been firing on all cylinders which you can’t afford to do” says forward Scottie Herbert.  The Melbourne/Adelaide road trips are one of the toughest in the league and unfortunately the Dogs couldn’t find the spark in a crucial month of double headers which featured the two trips to the south.

It is time to stop saying sorry and start winning as the season is almost at halfway.  Fortunately for the Ice Dogs they now have a lighter schedule.  “We know we have the backing of our loyal supporters. We have apologised to them personally for our poor form but now it is time to give them a win and get on a roll” finishes Scott Stephenson.

The season is on the line this Saturday night at the LCC Sports Complex, so be sure to get out there and help the Dogs turn it around.  The game is going to be proudly sponsored by TAB West Hoxton who has donated a food steamer to be raffled off at the game.