RINK DAWGS!!!……You Knooow!!!

July 28, 2011 – Game Recap

Tribe -3   Rink Dawgs – 0  (Tribe win 1-0 in a shootout)

In a must win game, the Tribe press the Rink Dawgs hard in game #2 of the playoffs.  After playing their best game of the season, the Rink Dawgs came out flat in this one.  The Dawgs knew the Tribe were too good a team to take lightly, but they did not show the same intensity as game 1.

The Dawgs really struggled to find their offense in the game, they were given a few good opportunities .  None better then when, on a 3 on 1 David “Superman” Silva, fed Andrew “Silk Hands” Lazaridis in the high slot and with a quick look up and a perfect fake found Carm “The Coach” DiLuciano all alone breaking down the left side.  With not much room and cinder blocks for hands, Carm made a move and got a decent shot on goal, but the keeper kept it out.

Sensing how important the first goal of the game was going to be, both teams were a little nervous in their own ends.  If not for the great goaltending by Gino “The Cat” Caputo, the Tribe would have broken the game wide open in the first.  The shot totals were a lopsided 17-6 for the Tribe, but with Gino shutting the door, he gave the Rink Dawgs an even slate to start the second.

YCBHL Turning point of the game:

The second half was much like the first, the Tribe came out aggressive and were rewarded with 2 goals in a span of 24 seconds just 43 seconds in.  The first came on some bad defensive zone coverage, as the Dawgs managed to watch a Tribe player behind the goal find a teammate all alone at the top of the crease, leaving Gino no chance.  On the next shift, the Dawgs looked like they had coverage in their zone, when #00 of the Tribe found a streaking #21 and with a player in his hip pocket managed to redirect short side on Gino, making the score 2-0.

The Dawgs would try to push back, but just could not muster up anymore really great chances.  The Tribe would add another powerplay goal late to seal the victory, to tie the series at 1-1 and force the immediate sudden death 5:00 overtime period to decide who advances to round 2 of the playoffs.

The Rink Dawgs marched out veteran David Silva to take the first shot.  David would move in down the left side and eyeing the top corner glove side, ripped a shot off the crossbar.  On the other end, Gino would close the door on the first shooter.  Next up was Tommy “Rampage” Kolkas, who came in on the goalie and looking 5-hole snapped a shot that found the goalies pads.  The Tribe shooter was the speedy #16, who flew in on Gino and snapped one pass him to put them up 1-0 with 3 shooters to go each.

Next up for the Dawgs was Captain Bruce “Kung Fu” Tiam-Fook, who is tied with David Silva for 1st on their all-time goals list with 38.  Bruce would work his way in and shoot one on the open side, the Referee looked like he was going to signal goal at first but for some reason waved it off.  Bruce and most of the Rink Dawgs bench were certain that it went in.  But the Ref’s call stood, NO GOAL!!  Gino on the other end stood tall and stopped the dangerous Marc Gardiman.  The 4th shooter fo the Rink Dawgs was Donny “Dangles” Lagos and he would dangle only to get robbed by the keeper. Once again Gino held the fort on the other end, forcing the Dawgs to score with their final shooter.

The man choosen to try and extend the Rink Dawgs season was Andrew “Silk Hands” Lazaridis, who earned that nickname for moments like this.  He approached the net slow and steady and as he moved in, Gino Caputo would stop the Tribe’s 5th shooter on the other end.  With ALL eyes on Andrew now, he faked to his backhand, brought it back to his forehand and with the keeper slightly out of position looked to have room to slide it in, but the goalie recovered and made a remarkable game and season ending saving against the Dawgs.

It was an awful way to lose a playoff series, but in the end the better team won.  The Rink Dawgs may have one more chance at a provincial spot in late August.  They may be able to enter a last chance qualifier, in a single elimination format.  Keep posted for more news on that.

Game Stats: (Including overtime)

Shots: Tribe 32   – Rink Dawgs 19
Powerplay: 0 for 1
Penaltykill: 3 for 4

Player(s) of the Game:

Gino Caputo 29 saves
Peter Lorefice with great hustle as always
Antonio Geraci played hard, even with a pulled adductor magnus muscle

July 26, 2011 – Game Recap

Rink Dawgs – 3   Tribe – 2

Even though 9 wins and 13 points seperated the Tribe from the Rink Dawgs in the regular season standings, you would have been hard pressed to know who was the favored team in last nights game.  The Rink Dawgs who just squeezed into the playoffs as the #7 seed with a win in the last game of the season, stunned the #2 seed Tribe in game 1 of the 1st round of the playoffs.

The Rink Dawgs who would have their full squad for last nights game, for only the second time all season.  Captain Bruce Tiam-Fook decided to juggle the lines a bit, reuniting  the “Ninja” line of Tommy “Rampage” Kolkas, Jamie “Hollywood” Farrow and Mark “The Guillotine” Krupa.  The move proved to be a good one, 4 1/2 minutes in, as Mark would bury the first goal of the game with assists going to Tommy & Jamie.

The Dawgs were all over the Tribe in the first half, giving them very little room to move and playing aggressive in the defensive zone.  No better exmple of this was proven with just under 5 minutes to play in the period and once again it was the “Ninjas”.  Tommy backchecked into his own zone and outmuscled a bigger Tribe player to win the ball and start the breakout creating a 3 on 1.  The ball would work it’s way to Mark who would find Tommy in the high slot and with a perfect fake, he would slide it over to Jamie who roofed the one-timer giving the Dawgs the 2-0 lead.  Gino “The Cat” Caputo, who stuggled a little in his last few starts, played a solid first half stopping all 10 shots he faced.

The second half was as closely contested as the first, both teams managed 10 shots in the frame.  The Tribe began to get a few more good scoring chances throughout, but Gino stood tall making superb saves.  The Dawgs managed to shut them out for most of the game, but with 3:17 to play Navin “The Prince” Persaud was called for a tripping penalty.  The Tribe would score the PP goal just 23 seconds into it.

Still feeling in control of the game, the Dawgs continue to play physical, but once again they would be called for a penalty.  This time with :57 seconds left in the game, Donny “Dangles” Lagos would be called for interference.  With the face-off just outside the Rink Dawgs blueline, David “Superman” Silva did his best Ed “The Wrench” Werenich impression, winning the draw forward and with perfect weight on the ball both teams watched as it rolled 120 feet into the empty net.

That short-handed goal proved to be very important, as on the next play Andrew “Silk Hands” Lazaridis would be called for a contact penalty.  The Tribe pulled the goalie and on the 6 on 3 advantage they would blast one from the point to beat Gino who had no chance with 5 bodies in front of him.  With the score 3-2 and only :18 seconds left, the game was not quite over.  The Rink Dawgs who truely deserved to win the game, killed the final seconds with no more drama and now take hold of the series 1-0.

Needing only a draw against the Tribe in the next game Thursday night July 28th @ 10:00pm, the Dawgs will have to play the same way they did last night, play to WIN!!!

Game Stats:

Shots: Tribe 20  -  Rink Dawgs 19
Powerplay: 0 for 1
Penaltykill: 1 for 3

Player(s) of the Game: 

Mark Krupa 1G 1A
Jamie Farrow 1G 1A
Tommy Kolkas 2A
David Silva 1G
Gino Caputo 18 saves

Ted Kolkas played a great game on defense and a very good all around team effort.

Playoff Schedule

Tues. July 26 @ 9:00pm (Cummer Park)
Thur.July 28 @ 10:00pm (Cummer Park)

July 19, 2011 – Game Recap

Rink Dawgs – 6  Chargers – 5

Entering the final game in an otherwise disappointing summer 2011 season, the Rink Dawgs would find themselves with needing just one point to secure at least 7th in the division, and a first round playoff birth. 

Despite all the positive motivation, the Dawgs would suffer yet another early goal, this time at the 12:44 mark of the opening period.  The play would go back and forth, with both goalies struggling to get a feel for the game.  Luckily, Chargers were only able to hold their lead for just over 5 minutes when Jamie “can I get a HOLLYWOOD!” Farrow threaded a great pass to Peter Kolkas to tie the game up.  Looking back now as I write this, that was the last time the Dawgs trailed in this game, but read on because it wasn’t easy.  About 3 minutes after Peter scored, the Dawgs jumped out to a rare lead, with the same duo responsible, Peter K from Hollywood.  But, in keeping with the vibe of the season, the Dawgs would surrender a quick goal, a mere 21 seconds later, wiping out the lead and eating away at the team’s resolve. 

YCBHL Turning point of the game.

With just under two minutes remaining in the period and the Chargers cycling the ball deep in Dawgs territory,  you had the feeling something was about to happen.  That something was a blocked shot at the point by Tommy “Rampage” Kolkas, who recovered the ball, fought through an attempted interference, and head faked the goalie with a shot between the legs giving the Dawgs a 3-2 lead and more importantly, a huge shot of momentum going into the final frame.

Early in the last period, Andrew would draw a hooking penalty in the Chargers zone and the Dawgs would make them pay.  Tommy would take a pass from Hollywood (his third assist of the game) to put the Dawgs up 4-2.

That goal would be key as the Chargers would storm back, scoring the next two goals to tie the game up. 

It would all come down to the last 10 minutes of the game….

With a loose ball making its way into Hollywood’s possession at the point, and some friendly advice from the Dawgs bench advising him to walk in a bit, Jamie’s shot was all twine and put the Dawgs up 5-4.  Andrew “Silk Hands” Lazaridis would take a feed from Bruce with just over six minutes to go to put the Dawgs up by 2, a rarity this season, if not a first.  Despite a late goal by the Chargers, pulling their goalie and a lot of pressure in the end, the Dawgs held on for the 6-5 win and was full marks for the effort and result.

The Dawgs await the result of tonight’s game between the Wildcats and the Vikings.  A Wildcats win, would vault them into 6th, leaving the Dawgs to match up against the number 2 seed Tribe (Tues July 26th 9pm @ Cummer) , a Wildcats loss or tie, would have the Dawgs play the number 3 seed Falcons (Tues July 26th 7pm @ Cummer)

Game Stats:

Shots: Chargers 22 -  Rink Dawgs 21
Powerplay: 1 for 1
Penaltykill: 2 for 3

Player(s) of the Game:

Jamie Farrow 1G 3A
Tommy & Peter Kolkas 2G each
Andrew Lazaridis 1G 1A

Hard fought effort by everyone, well deserved playoff spot!!!

Thanks to Navin “The Prince” Persaud for the write up.

Tyler, wishing you all the best from all the boys

Cheers!!!

July 12, 2011 – Game Recap

Tribe – 4   Rink Dawgs – 2

Heading into the final weeks of the season and STILL in search of their first victory, the Rink Dawgs were definitely have their work cut out for them as they would have to face 2 of the top teams in the division and last night it was the Tribe.

The Dawgs who lost 3-0 to the Tribe earlier in the year, have always played them tough and they were going to have to come out with some desperation.  They played the Tribe very physical because they are a much younger and more energetic team than the Dawgs.  With some very shifty and quick players, they would have to tighten up their defense.

The Tribe would jump out to an early lead at the 12:20 mark of the first, after a terrible line change by the Rink Dawgs defense left a 2 on 1 for the Tribe in which they would capitalize.  Despite giving up the first goal for what seems like very game this season, the Dawgs would get it back.  With under 5:00 minutes to go in the half, the Dawgs would score on the powerplay.  The Dawgs would try something new, putting David “Superman” Silva on the point for the PP and it would pay off.  Bruce Tiam-”Kung fu” Fook would find Silva on the point and with a big wind up, he would slap a pass to a wide open Mark “Guillotine” Krupa who one-timed it home.

Gino “The Cat” Caputo would play a steady first, stopping 8 fo 9 shots he faced, many of them difficult ones.  The Rink Dawgs would outshoot the Tribe in the half 10-9 and find themselves deadlocked 1-1 heading into the break.

Feeling good about their first period, the Dawgs would have their bubble bursted early once again.  This time just 56 seconds into the period, on another breakdown as they would surrender a breakaway that was converted.  Fighting hard to get back into the game, the Dawgs would tie it up once again.  David Silva would send Peter “Pistol” Lorefice in down the right side who threw it on goal and standing on the doorstep, Andrew “Silk Hands” Lazaridis would pull it backhand to forehand and slide home his 2nd of the season.

The tie would not last long, as the Tribe would jump ahead again just 21 seconds later.  As the Rink Dawg defenseman was beat 1 on 1, the Tribe player would put it on goal where it would jsut squeek pass Gino where the player jabbed in his own shot.  With half the period remaining the Dawgs were hopeful, but a minute later on another breakdown the Tribe would score the back breaking goal.

The Rink Dawgs could not recover as they had nothing left in the tank.  The Tribe would just rag the ball around, playing keep away burning time off the clock.  The game would end uneventful the rest of the way and leave the Rink Dawgs with a do or die situation in their last game of the season next week vs. the Chargers.

Game Stats:

Shots: Tribe 24    Rink Dawgs 19
Powerplay: 1 for 1
Penaltykill: none

Player(s) of the Game:

David Silva 2A
Mark Krupa & Andrew Lazaridis 1G ea
Bruce Tiam-Fook & Peter Lorefice 1A ea
Gino Caputo 20 saves

July 7, 2011 – Game Recap

Wildcats – 4   Rink Dawgs – 2

Another very disappointing result for the Rink Dawgs, not sure if they were tired from back to back nights, but they did have their full squad.  Knowing how important this game was, the really had no excuse to come out so flat for the start of this one.  The first half was really chippy as both teams were chirping back and forth, to the point where the first time in franchise history, the Dawgs witnessed the Referees call a referee time-out and called the captains to centre.  They warned both teams about all the chirping and that they would call 10 minute misconducts and throw players out of the game.

The Wildcats would take advantage of some questionable goaltending from Gino “The Cat” Caputo, who in fairness has been the Rink Dawgs team MVP all year long.  They would score 2 goals in 26 seconds and add a 3rd goal with 1:56 to play in the first half.  They outshot the Dawgs 9-7 in the first and just capitalized on their chances.

Finding themselves in a real tough spot to start the 2nd half, the Rink Dawgs would score early and they would.  On a bit of a weird play, Martin “Creatine” Vieira was battling infront of the Wildcat goal, taking a shot in his back he would retaliate with a bit of a high cross-check, but on the play Mark “The Guillotine Master” Krupa would put it in the goal.  With nobody sure what the heck happened, the Referees once again were in the spotlight as they continued their questionable game calling.  After a breif meeting the awarded the Dawgs  a much needed goal to make it 3-1, Jamie “Hollywood” Farrow would get the assist on the play.

It took only a minute later for the Wildcats to restore the 3 goal lead as they tip in a point shot that just squeezed between Gino’s legs.  Looking for some sort of break, the Dawgs would find it just under a minute later.  On another weird play, Andrew “Silk hands” Lazaridis  would shoot a long shot on goal that seem to slip through the goalie where Antonio “The Cherry Picker” Geraci would crash the net to bang in his 2nd goal of the season.  As the Dawgs gather to celebrate the goal, Antonio was crossing in front of #99 Kyle Allen of the Wildcats who had been chirping all night and played it like he was tripped up.  Kyle acting like the ass that he is, imitated the trip by wailing his arms in the air and threw himself to the floor.  The refs who were right behind him, called a 10 minute unsportsmanlike penalty but what they should have done was thrown him out of the game, they would prove to regret not doing so.

The Rink Dawgs would continue to get a number of good chances and actually outshot the Wildcats 12-6 in the frame.  They would not be able to beat the goalie the rest of the way, but the fireworks were about to begin. #99 would take another penalty with :23 to play, on the next face-off in the Wildcats zone some of the players converged in the corner where a few scuffles broke out.  A number of punches were thrown with gloves on and some grappling was being done but nothing to drastic. 

Then the real fireworks started, as once again it was #99 opening his trap from the penalty box.  He would contiue chirping towards the Dawgs bench and as Tommy “Rampage” Kolkas walked by him, Kyle would say something to set Tommy off.  Tommy went at him from the floor reaching into the box and that’s when both benches cleared.  This time punches were thrown, the best coming off the hand of Antonio who decked the big galoot #10 who had been getting his frame in all the skirmishes.  For a team that had lots to say all night long the Wildcats really turtled during the melee, Tommy was pounding on someone, Mark had the perfect guillotine choke on a guy and Martin was invited in the box by you guessed it #99 who never left the box, yet he was really the cause of all this.   So Martin obliged by jumping into the box, you should have seen the kids face, like he saw a ghost.  I am sure he shit himself, Martin grabbed him but he turtled and Martin felt sorry for him a didn’t hit him.  I am sure if it was anyone else on the team, the kid would have been knocked senseless.

Despite losing a critical game in the standings, the Rink Dawgs came out with a bit of a smile as they won the battle.  The other down side with the result is, the Dawgs will be without Martin for their next game as he and #99 received 1 game suspensions.  Also Mark Krupa and Antonio Geraci recieved $10 fines.  Once again another terrible refereed game by the officials of the YCBHL!!

Game Stats:

Shots: Rink Dawgs  19  -  Wildcats  15
Powerplay: 0 for 4
Penaltykill: 4 for 4

Player(s) of the Game:

Antonio Geraci & Mark Krupa 1G each
Jamie Farrow & Andrew Lazaridis 1A each

July 6, 2011 – Game Recap

Vikings – 4  Rink Dawgs – 2

Considering a playoff spot was in jeopardy for the Rink Dawgs, they came out with a very disappointing effort.  In their opinion, this was a winnable game, but they forgot to bring their A game.  As per usual the Dawgs would give up the first goal of the game and have to battle from behind.  To their credit, the Dawgs who despite their misfortune this year have never quit and they would respond in the first.  Donny “Dangles” Lagos would feed Jamie “Hollywood” Farrow, who found Tommy “Rampage” Kolkas and blasted a one-timer for his 1st goal of the season.  The Vikings would take the lead back on a powerplay goal, one that Gino “The Cat” Caputo felt he should of had.  He struggled in the period giving up 2 goals on 5 shots, his teammates managed 10 shots but were only able to get the one heading into the break. 

The Vikings came out in the second with more energy, getting mutliple good chances. Gino was forced to stop atleast 3 breakaways, he had a much better 2nd half as he would go on to face 15 shots in the frame.  He couldn’t stop them all, as the Vikings would restore their 2-goal lead.  Down but not out, the Dawgs would look to their “Ninja” line for a boost.  They were reunited for the first time in awhile this year, Mark “The Guillotine Master” Krupa would provide some good forechecking and eventually the ball would be kept in by Navin Peraud at the point.  Jamie would take a shot on goal and the rebound would pop up in the air and on the way down before hitting the ground Tommy would sweep in his 2nd goal of the night.

The Vikings would add another goal with 2:50 to play, making it 4-2.  The Rink Dawgs would pull the goalie with just under 2 minutes and sustain quite a bit of pressure but to no avail. With the victory the Vikings clinch the 5th playoff spot, leaving just 2 spots open for the Dawgs to try and squeeze in.  They could take one step closer tomorrow night as they face-off against the Wildcats who are 2 points behind the Dawgs.

Game Stats:

Shots: Rink Dawgs  20  -  Vikings 20
Powerplay: 0 for 1
Penaltykill: 2 for 3

Player(s) of the Game:

Tommy Kolkas 2G (His best game of the season
Jamie Farrow 2A
Donny Lagos and Navin Persaud 1A each

Hey Guys, please note that Thursday July 7th game @ 8:00pm has been moved from Miliken Arena to Clatworthy Arena.

June 30th – Game Recap

Rink Dawgs – 2  Falcons – 2

The streak continues, make it winless in 10 games on the season for the Rink Dawgs.  The Dawgs who are now 0-4-6, still sit tied for the 6th in the division.  With just 4 games remaining on the season, it is safe to say it is do-or-die time for them.

Heading into the Thursday of the Canada Day long weekend, the Dawgs were just hoping to have enough players to field a team, as a matter of fact the Falcons were hoping for the same.  In there previous meeting the Falcons ran 12 men against only 7 for the Rink Dawgs and won 3-0.  This time they were on more even terms as the Falcons only had 9 versus the 7 men for the Dawgs, plus goalies of course.

It would be the Rink Dawgs who would score first, as Andrew “Silk Hands” Lazaridis played some give and go with David “Superman” Silva and on his second stab banked it in of the keeper, the second assist went to Ted “Teddy Bear” Kolkas.  The Falcons would tie it up later in the first half on a 2 on 1, beating Gino Caputo in goal.  There would be no more scoring in the first, ending the frame 1-1.

In the second it was much of the same, as the teams traded chances.  Once again it was the Rink Dawgs to jump out in front, as Ted Kolkas would convert a beautiful cross rink pass from Andrew Lazaridis, also assisting on the play was Peter Kolkas.  The Dawgs have not lead in games much this year and when they have, they have given up the tying goal each time.

Pass the halfway point of the second, teh Rink Dawgs would be bitten once again.  On a face-off deep in there own zone, the ball lay loose in front of Gino and as everyone stared at the ball a Falcons player was able to push it towards goal and as Gino tried to smother it the player jarred it free and got a shot on goal, Carm DiLuciano was able to stop the first one but on there second attempt slid it under Carm’s leg.  It was some terrible defensive zone coverage that cost them the 2 points, as the game would end in another tie 2-2.

The Rink Dawgs have back to back games next week, Wednesday, July 6th @ 10:00pm at Clatworthy against the Vikings who sit 2 points up on the Dawgs and then Thursday, July 7th @ 8:00pm vs. the Wildcats who are in last and only 2 points from the Dawgs.  Needless to say, some must win games!!

Game Stats:

Shots: Rink Dawgs 18  -  Falcons 18
Powerplay: 0 for 2
Penaltykill: 0 for 2

Player(s) of the Game:

Andrew Lazaridis 1G 1A
Ted Kolkas 1G 1A
David Silva & Peter Kolkas 1A each

Carm DiLuciano with his best game of the season, with a number of takeaways and 6 blocked shots