BULLDOGS FALL 3-2 TO STEELHEADS IN SHOOTOUT
HAMILTON, ONTARIO. Finishing up a three-game week the Hamilton Bulldogs faced the Mississauga Steelheads Saturday afternoon at the Frist Ontario Centre. Coming off the emotional comeback win last night the Bulldogs looked nothing like Zombies in this clash. The first period was evenly matched with lots of chances for each team but Marco Constantini and Roman Basran held down the fort at either end leaving each team goalless. Heading into the second period the Steelheads lead in shots 13 – 6 and the Bulldogs with a powerplay advantage for the first 48 seconds to start off the second period.
It was the Steelheads who capitalized on the Bulldogs power-play, with just 12 seconds left in it, James Hardie recorded a shorthanded goal at 0:36. Right after the shorthanded goal the Bulldogs bounced back on another powerplay to score the tying goal at 2:00 for his third of the season by Lawson Sherk from Gavin White. Just a minute apart the Bulldogs scored another power play goal at 3:55 for his fifth of the season George Diaco with the help of a sweet powerplay cycle from Logan Morrison and Nathan Staios. After 40 minutes of play the Bulldogs lead 2-1 with 18 shots to Mississauga’s 25.
The third period special teams were called upon again, and the Steelheads used it to their advantage to tie up the game with a powerplay goal at 4:22 for Zander Veccia’s first in the OHL. Constantini left no room for error keeping the score at an even 2 -2 throughout the rest of the third period recording 38 saves on the night in an incredible effort. The three on three over time did not disappoint, each team had lots of opportunities to end the game but the Bulldogs came the closest. After Diaco went headfirst into the Mississauga net the Bulldogs were awarded a penalty shot which would be changed to a power-play. Despite multiple opportunities, the Steelheads kept themselves in the game forcing a shootout. The shoot-out was a nail biter for the Bulldogs with Avery Hayes scoring a spectacular goal, but James Hardie & Mississauga’s Owen Beck was able to finish for the Steelheads and win the game with a 3 – 2 final.
The Hamilton Bulldogs return Friday November 5th against Mississauga at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre at 7pm.
For more information on Hamilton Bulldogs 2021-22 season tickets, flex packs or single game tickets call 905-529-8500 or visit hamiltonbulldogs.com
