Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Home ice coupled with the a supportive crowd gave the Deseronto Bulldogs the push they needed to get back in the win column, defeating the Glengarry Pipers 7-5 on Saturday night at the Deseronto Community Rec Centre.
Ryan Dreossi and Luigi Martone each scored for the Bulldogs in the opening period, giving Deseronto a lead they’d never relinquish. The Pipers did make it close at times, climbing back within one goal on three separate occasions, but they never could find the equalizer much less the go-ahead tally.
Alexandre Grenier scored just 30 seconds into the second to bring the Pipers to within one, only to see Deseronto’s Mitch Merry answer back four minutes later. All told the two teams combined for seven goals in the second period, with Deseronto emerging with a 5-4 lead heading into the final intermission.
The Bulldogs were able to tack on two insurance goals in the third courtesy of another from Martone and one from Jonny Hill. The Pipers scored on the final play of the game to cut the deficit to 7-5.
Dreossi joined Martone with a two-goal effort on the night while Noah Brant also potted a goal for the home team. Corey Kuypers earned the win with 24 saves on the night.
Deseronto is now 2-3 on the season, both their wins coming at their home barn, affectionately known as the Dog Pound. They’ll look to stay unbeaten at home when they host the Frontenac Phantoms on Saturday. Puck drop is at 6:30 p.m.
The Phantoms will come into the game at 2-4, tied with Deseronto for fifth in the six-team West division. The Gananoque Islanders lead the pack at 4-0, just ahead of the 3-2 Tweed Oil Kings and the 3-3 Smiths Fall Rideaus. The Arnprior Rivermen are alone in fourth with a 2-2-1 record, one point up on the Bulldogs and Phantoms.