The Bulldogs beat the Drumheller Dragons 7-3 in exhibition play on Friday September 1st in Blackfalds on what appeared to be Jake Geraci night at the Eagle Building Centre. The Dragons opened up the scoring first on the Power Play when veteran Colorado College commit Coy Pighin tipped in a pass from veteran Medicine Hat native and Merrimack commit Vann Yuhas to make it 1-0 Dragons at 6:40 of the first period. The other assist on the goal went to another veteran and RPI commit Easton Adrian. The Bulldogs outshot the Dragons 8-7 in the first period.
The Bulldogs started out the second period on the Power Play and scored when Connor Dick got his second goal of the preseason assisted by Jake Geraci. The Dragons responded back at 4:44 of the second period when Stoughton, Wisconsin native Luke McPhee scored assisted again from Vann Yuhas. It was a normal Dragon goal they deserved it from working hard it just wasn’t pretty. The Bulldogs responded back at 7:47 of the second period when Edward Moskowitz scored his first as a Bulldog. The assist on that goal going to Jake Geraci. Tie game 2-2. Now credit needs to be given when credit is due. The great sportsmanship of Vann Yuhas virtually gave up any chance of the Dragons winning the game. I do not know what Yuhas said to the ref. I’m guessing it wasn’t a compliment. Anyway what ever he said got the Dragons another penalty on top of a penalty. Hence the Bulldogs had a 5 on 3 and then Tanner Willick scored. With assists on that goal to David Brandes and Connor Dick at 10:24 of the second period.
At 15:57 of the second period Jack Plandowski snuck in from behind the net and scored on the Power Play making it 4-2 Bulldogs. Assists on his goal to Saskatoon native Luke Dahlen and Connor Dick. I don’t know what Plandowski did all summer but it just seems like even since last year (playoffs especially) every single game you see him he plays better and better and better. The Dragons outshot the Bulldogs 8-7 in the second period.
At 13:43 of the third period Brody Dupont scored his first goal of the preseason from Roan Crowe and David Brandes. What a kick ass name Roan Crowe. It just sounds bad ass this kid needs to grow Chris Simon circa 1994 hair or wear a bandana under his helmet. That goal makes it a 5-2 game for the Bulldogs. At 15:37 of the third period Coy Pighin scored his second goal of the game from Easton Adrian and Luke McPhee.
On the replay you clearly see Brendan Ross shoot the puck and Luke Dahlen get the rebound. But assists on the goal go to Jano Zambakdjian (I am going to have to get “Hooked on Phonics” thanks to this kid🤪) and Jake Geraci. Either way great play and patience from Saskatoon native Luke Dahlen to get his first goal of the preseason.
Then with a minute and 4 seconds remaining in the game Prince George native Josh Sale scores his first preseason goal as a Bulldog on the Power Play. Assists on the goal to Josh Knittig and Kurt Gurkan. In the third period the Dragons outshot the Bulldogs 14 to 5. The Dragons outshot the Bulldogs all game 29-20. Which doesn’t mean much as not alot of good shots on a really good goalie usually do not result in many goals.
There is a player on the Dragons who use to play with the Bulldogs. Pretty good player when he played in Blackfalds he for sure wasn’t physical at all when he played with the Bulldogs. Wasn’t physical really at all last year with the Dragons either. This year he has a cage on and now he seems to be the toughest guy on the Ice.🤔They might be connected I don’t know… Or maybe its due to climate change🤪🤔
Noah Davis got the win for the Bulldogs stopping 26 of the 29 shots he faced. For the Dragons the net was split between rookies Sean Cootes and Ty Matonovich.
Bulldogs next game is Saturday September 2nd against Drumheller in Drumheller. Their next home game is September 5th on Tuesday against the Spruce Grove Saints.
