Shutout Sydney derby victory gives bragging rights to Ice Dogs
Ice Dogs down Bears 3-0 to win the second Sydney derby of the 2017 AIHL season
Northern District Times
Don't miss out on the headlines from Northern District Times. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Ice Dogs have put together a clinical performance in front of a massive Macquarie Ice Rink crowd to claim a 3-0 victory over the Bears on Saturday in the second Sydney derby of the 2017 AIHL season.
After the Dogs scraped away with a 1-0 win the last time these sides met, there was sure to be plenty of feeling heading into the rematch with plenty to play for on both sides of the puck.
The contest began at a frenetic pace with the Dogs claiming first blood halfway through the opening period off a collected rebound from Lachlan Schumak.
The second period saw tempers flare throughout as both teams fell victim to their emotions.
Despite being down a man after Schumak was given a misconduct for head-checking, the Dogs stretched their lead to two through a Grant Toulmin breakaway goal.
Desperation took hold in the third as both teams traded quality scoring opportunities however Ice Dogs captain Scott Stephenson ultimately clinched the win with a late empty net goal.
“I was really happy with the way the guys went and worked hard for the win,” said Ice Dogs head coach Chris Blagg after the game.
“When you’re playing the Bears, it always means a little bit more, but the main thing for us was getting back into a top four position.
“Damien Ketlo was outstanding in net, and it’s great knowing we have a guy like that backstopping us.”
The Bears then backed up on Sunday against the Melbourne Mustangs in their first ever Ladies Night.
Although they raised plenty of money for the Breast Cancer Foundation, they lost the match 6-4.
The Ice Dogs welcome Newcastle to Macquarie on Friday before the Bears host the Northstars on Sunday.
Little known clubbies getting star studded team to Shute Shield finals
Few but the most dedicated club rugby followers had even heard of them pre-season. But these loyal clubmen have got this famous club into the Shute Shield final series - not their star teammates
Famous NRL nursery feeding teen talent into special rugby squad
A school famous for its conveyor belt of league talent to the NRL has now delivered a special group of teenagers to the NSW Waratahs U16s for a crucial task this year.