Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Five times was the charm for the Bulldogs in Deseronto on Saturday night, as they held off several comeback attempts from the Frontenac Phantoms for an 8-5 win in Eastern Ontario Super Hockey League play.
Brett Maracle scored with 5:55 remaining in the second to put the Bulldogs up 5-4, a lead they’d never relinquish. Prior to that goal the Bulldogs had taken the lead four times, only to see the Phantoms respond with a goal of their own each time.
Deseronto’s Mitch Gustavsen scored twice, sandwiched around goals from teammates Noah Brant and Carter Thorton, each one alternated with a goal from the visitors. Jordan Bray, Philippe Couture, Martin Rioux and Liam Sodtke replied for Frontenac.
After Maracle’s goal gave the ‘Dogs the lead once again, Jonny Hill added a power-play goal in the final two minutes to give Deseronto its first two-goal cushion of the night.
Frontenac’s Nicholas Grona cut the deficit down to one early in the third before Austin Labelle and Greg Arnburg potted two big insurance goals for Deseronto in the latter stages of the game, allowing the home team to secure the 8-5 win.
Graeme Gemmill earned the win with 15 saves on the night.
The victory once again evens the Bulldogs’ record on the season, now sitting 6-6, good for fourth in the EOSHL’s West Division, just four points back of first place Gannaoque.
The Bulldogs will host the Tweed Oil Kings this Saturday at the Deseronto Community Rec Centre. Puck drop is 6:30 p.m. The Oil Kings come into the game just one point up on the Bulldogs, sitting tied for second with the Arnprior Rivermen, both with 13 points.