Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Quality outdid quantity as the visiting Deseronto Bulldogs clipped the Smith Falls Rideaus 7-6 on Saturday night-despite getting outshot 43-28.
Taylor Best had the eventual game winner, scoring with 7:11 remaining in the third period to put the Dogs up 7-5. The Rideaus would get one back with 3:34 left to play, but Deseronto goalie Bailey Maracle was able to preserve the one goal lead.
Joey Mayer, Mitch Gustavsen and Brayden Forestell each scored for Deseronto in the first to give the visitors an early 3-0 lead. Smiths Falls answered back with four straight of their own, only to see Deseronto run off another string of three unanswered. This time the scoring was provided by Zack Masterson, Troy Wylie and Jordan Cannons to put the Bulldogs up 6-4. The Rideaus were able to claw back to within one, but couldn’t complete the comeback.
With the win the Bulldogs have pulled even with the Rideaus atop the Eastern Ontario Super Hockey League’s West Division, both teams with 4-1 records and eight points. They lead the Barry’s Bay Wolves and Central Hastings Ice Miners by three points, both clubs with two wins and an overtime loss.
The Bulldogs will not get set to kick off a home-and-home with the Wolves, starting with a trip to Barry’s Bay on Saturday. Puck drop is 7 p.m. This will mark the Bulldogs’ first look at the expansion Wolves.
The following week, on Nov. 4, the Wolves will visit Deseronto for a 6:30 p.m. puck drop at the Deseronto Community Rec Centre.