Adam Prudhomme
Editor
A determined comeback attempt by the Deseronto Bulldogs ultimately came up short as they fell 7-5 to the Bytown Royals in Saturday’s EOSHL match, held at Ottawa’s Richcraft Sensplex.
The Royals scored the first three goals of the game courtesy of two from Peter Mott and one from MJ Graham. Noah Brant got one back for the Bulldogs late in the first, only to see Graham respond in the final seconds of the period to give the home team a 4-1 advantage after the opening 20 minutes.
Deseronto wasn’t willing to go away quietly however as Greg Arnburg and Austin Labelle each scored in the second, sandwiched around Graham’s third goal of the game.
Down by two heading into the third, the Bulldogs rallied to tie with another from Arnburg, followed nine minutes by the equalizing goal from Shamus Barr.
The Bulldogs couldn’t quite complete the comeback however as Graham potted his fourth of the game with 3:17 left to play. Maxim Chamberland added a huge insurance goal with two minutes left of the clock. That two-goal lead would hold as a 7-5 final.
Danick Gervais earned the win for the Royals with five goals allowed on 37 shots. Brady Sarazin took the loss, turning away 34 of 41.
The loss drops Deseronto to 1-4 on the season as they continue to look for their first road victory. Fortunately for them they’ll return home for their next bout when they take on the Glengarry Pipers this Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at the Deseronto Community Rec Centre. That’ll be the start of a mini two game home swing, as they will face the Frontenac Phantoms on Oct. 29, also at 6:30 p.m. at the Deseronto Community Rec Centre.
Deseronto remains sixth in the six-team West division, one point back of the Arnprior Rivermen and two back of both the Phantoms and Tweed Oil Kings. The Gananoque Islanders and Smiths Falls Rideaus remain tied at top the division with six points each.