LIAM VAN LOON LEADS BULLDOGS TO 6-3 COMEBACK WIN
HAMILTON, ONTARIO. On Saturday’s late afternoon game, the Hamilton Bulldogs returned home to face the Sudbury Wolves. The Bulldogs were looking to prove their bite was strongest tonight coming off yesterday’s loss to the Mississauga Steelheads. The first period was off to a slow start for both teams, each team had several chances but couldn’t squeeze one in. Both teams’ goaltenders kept it scoreless, but Matteo Drobac stood on his head for a wicked save to add some fuel to the fire for the Bulldogs. The period ended in a 0-0 draw, with Sudbury leading in shots 7 to Hamilton’s 6 and a call to the Bulldogs penalty kill unit at the end of the period.
The Bulldogs started the second period one man down and held the Wolves off but at 2:25 for his seventh of the season Chase Stillman gets one to put the Wolves on the board. For his first of the season Michael Derbidge scored at 11:19 to double the Wolves to 2-0 lead. The powerplay unit for the Bulldogs wouldn’t disappoint however starting the comeback at 16:07 as Jonathan Melee got his third of the season thanks to the concentration and quickness of the cycle from Nathan Staios and Logan Morrison. With just seconds left the Bulldogs got their second quick powerplay goal thanks to Avery Hayes with his fifth of the season with help from Morrison’s patience and George Diaco. The Bulldogs headed into the third period fired up and are looking to complete the comeback win.
Liam Van Loon opened the floodgates for the third period for his first of the season, in his first game of the season, with a quick break at 0:36 seconds from Hayes and Jan Mysak. Minutes later, on the power play Gavin White ripped a shot from the point for his first of the season at 4:28 from Ryan Humphrey and Lawson Sherk giving the Bulldogs a 2-goal lead. Another power play goal for the Bulldogs at 13:49 for his fifth of season by Mysak as Van Loon sent him in all alone on the breakaway firing the puck past Lemaire with Staios picking up another helper. The Wolves weren’t finished and scored their third of the game at 14:23 by Kocha Delic but the Bulldogs would secure their lead and win the game as Mysak hit the empty net at 19:42 from Alex Pharand giving the Bulldogs win 6-3.
The Hamilton Bulldogs return tomorrow for a matinée to face the Barrie Colts at 2:00pm at the First Ontario Centre.
For more information on Hamilton Bulldogs 2021-22 season tickets, flex packs or single game tickets call 905-529-8500 or visit hamiltonbulldogs.com
