Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Zack Masterson’s overtime winner gave the Deseronto Bulldogs a thrilling 8-7 win over the visiting Frontenac Phantoms on Saturday night.
His goal not only secured the see-saw victory, but also prolonged the Bulldogs’ franchise best winning streak to eight.
The struggling Phantoms, who came into the game with just one win in 10 contests, gave the Bulldogs a run for their money, becoming the closet team to snap the win streak to date. After falling behind 5-3, the Phantoms rallied with four straight goals to hold a 7-5 advantage with 14 minutes left in regulation.
The Bulldogs lived up to their moniker however and dug deep, responded with a pair of quick goals to tie the game at 7-7.
Masterson completed the comeback to send the Bulldog crowd home happy.
The goal was Masterson’s second of the game. Josh Lemmon also had a pair, including the tying goal in the third to help keep the win streak alive. Joey Mayer also potted a pair while Mitch Gustavsen had one to account for the Bulldogs’ scoring.
Corey Kuypers got the start in net for Deseronto but gave way after allowing the seventh goal, spending 44:06 on the ice. Graeme Gemmill came on in relief and was perfect, stopping 13 pucks for the win, playing just over 20 minutes.
With the win the first-place Bulldogs improve to 8-1 on the season, three points up on the 6-1-1 Smiths Falls Rideaus in the Eastern Ontario Super Hockey League’s West Division. The Gananoque Islanders are third at 5-2-1 (11 points).
The Bulldogs will have a chance to extend their lead on Saturday when they host the Rideaus at the Deseronto Community Rec Centre. Game time is 6:30 p.m.