Adam Prudhomme
Editor
A relentless comeback effort by the Frontenac Phantoms spoiled the Deseronto Bulldog’s Eastern Ontario Super Hockey League season opener on Saturday, as the Dogs fell 5-3.
The road team Bulldogs were in good shape heading into the game’s final 16:35, clinging to a 3-1 lead. Joey Mayer got the Bulldogs on the board with their first of the 2022-23 season, scoring early in the second period on the power-play. Frontenac’s Colton Distefano responded just shy of the midway mark to knot things at 1-1.
Deseronto’s Noah Brant and Mitch Merry each potted a goal to give the Bulldogs a two-goal cushion heading into the home stretch. The Phantoms weren’t to be denied in their home opener however as Nathan Mutch, Martin Rioux, Nicholas Grona and Kalem Sigsworth each scored within a 14 minute span, the middle two goals coming on the power-play.
Frontenac’s Jake Kment took it from there, finishing with 42 saves for the win. Graeme Gemmill made the start for Deseronto, stopping 34 of 39.
The Bulldogs will look to get in the win column on Saturday when they host their home opener, taking on the South Stormont Mustangs at 6:30 p.m. at the Deseronto Community Rec Centre.