December 4, 2009.  The Dunnville Terriers rose to the occasion this week garnering 3 out of 6 possible points giving them some stats to place in the Niagara District Jr. “C” standings column. It has been a long and hard fought battle to gain the attention of the opponents in this strong league of contenders. Dunnville is playing a much better brand of hockey and the rest of the league should be looking over their shoulders as the Terriers continue their threatening rise. The very respectful position they once held amongst the Jr. “C” teams in Ontario is the goal this team, their coaches and management are pursuing. The management have the coaches in place that can rebuild this franchise and return the kind of hockey game the fans of Dunnville are use to. Our local boys with the help of some gifted recruits are returning to play for their hometown team and the pride of Dunnville (Mudcat) Terriers is returning with them.

The improvement in play has been distinct and obvious this past couple of weeks. The defence are working well together deep in their end of the rink and moving the disc up with precision to the forwards. The forwards are applying a more aggressive but clean hardhitting forechecking system the coaches are asking them to execute. Both goaltenders Tyler Gibertson and Matt Madden are playing very well, giving their team a chance to win. The overall teamplay and hard-work ethic has an exciting and unselfish appearance that should result in rewards and add to the win column.

Game 1

Thursday Nov. 26th at the Dunnville Memorial the Dunnville fans were given their first ray of hope and success as Dunnville and Caledonia traded goals in an exciting match that took an overtime goal to decide the outcome. The game was a seesaw affair, even in penalties at seven apiece with the one against Dunnville in the overtime period giving Caledonia the opportunity for the win. They took advantage and returned home with the two points while Dunnville salvaged one, their first, which was a minor triumph of some sort. Dan Minor with 2 goals and Tyler Springer with one accounted for Dunnville’s tallys with assist going to Dustin Demoe and Curtis Naylor. Jamie Williams replied with 2 for Caledonia which included the winner in overtime. Ian Caldwell and Stefan Scione provided the other two for the opposition with assists going to Nick Drake, Steve Codisopdi and Brent Lowry makin the final overtime score 4-2.

Game 2

Friday Nov. 27th the Grimsby twin pad hosted a battle between the first place and last place club in this very tight division. Dunnville didn’t play like a bottom place team for two periods giving Grimsby one of their toughest battles at home of the season. It was a 4-3 game in Grimsby’s favor at the 11minute mark of the thrid period. Dunnville’s game plan came undone and the powerful Grimsby club took immediate advantage and piled in 4 more unanswered goals to finalize the score at 8-3. Despite the score Dunnville proved a sustained effort for three periods against Grimsby in the future could bring about a successful result.

Scorers for Dunnville were Dan Minor, Mitch Barnes and Jason Dear with one apiece. Assists for the Terriers went toConnor Harvey, Tanner McGowan, Ryan Dear and Austin Douglas. Goaler Gibertson of Dunnville faced 44 shots and DelConte of Grimsby contended with 24. Connor Rilett and Stevan Manojlovic had two goals and an assist leading Grimsby’s attack. Drew Whelan and Ryan Roberts had a goal and assist each. The other Grimsby assists went to #23 Jamie Howard with a good nights havest of five helpers, another two from Chris McQuade, while single assists were earned by Brandon kerr, Joe Young and Kevin Long. Though the game ended 8-3, without the third period let down by Dunnville it was a much closer affair and an eye opener for both teams.

Game 3

Dunnville Terriers erased the goose egg in the win column with a huge 4-3 shoot-out win Sun. Nov. 29 at Chippawa. A solid Hardchecking team game for three periods gave Dunnville the tie at the end of three periods. An outstanding performance by Dunnville’s netminder Matt Madden was required to endure and hold off the tremendous pressure applied by the home team in the overtime period. The game was decided by a shootout with Dunnville prevailing and taking home their first win of the season. Tanner McGowan was the hero of the night when he added the shootout winner to his two assists during the three periods. Jason Dear made his presence known with a goal and assisting on cousin Connor Harvey’s first period marker. Mitch Barnes netted Dunnville’s third goal which held up despite Chippawa’s two in the third to tie the score. Dan Minor recorded two assists and Chris Furneaux another displaying chemistry and good teamplay on the Dunnville squad. Jesse Parker and Mike Hicks notched a goal and assist each and Wes Wolfe chipped in a goal. Dustin Dunseith provided two helpers for the home team.

Dunnville’s next home game Sun. Dec. 6th at 3:00 p. m. vs firstplace Grimsby.

It is Food Drive day and a food item plus half price is the going rate for admission.

By Dave Green, The Sachem


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