Dogs Can’t Stop Losing Streak

The Bulldogs were missing four skaters in Saturday night’s game against Live Oak, causing the team to have to play very conservatively at the beginning of the game, pacing themselves and almost completely limiting the team to defense.

In the first period, North Valley successfully battened down the hatches defensively and was also able to create several good offensive chances. But Live Oak played great defense also and the score was 0-0 at the end of the first.

The second period, wasn’t much different from the first, but the Bulldogs began to play a more balanced game. Jon Popovici (#77) and Caleb Harter (#91) had several good offensive opportunities, but the Live Oak goaltender was able to stop them all. Late in the period, Live Oak had a 2-on-1 and goaltender Eric Boruff (#20) stopped the initial shot but Live Oak was able to put the puck into the net on the rebound. The second period saw great hockey on both sides, but the Dogs found themselves down 1-0 when the buzzer sounded.

The third period had a much different tempo as the Bulldogs pulled out all the stops offensively. Midway through the third, Live Oak finally caved under the offensive pressure, as captain Caleb Harter (#91) got the puck in the slot and was able to send it home into the back of the net. The game was now even 1-1, and the pace of the game was at full speed. Late in the third, Caleb Harter (#91) was able to draw two penalties on the opponent. The ensuing 4-on-2 powerplay saw the Bulldogs create some great chances, but the Live Oak goaltender made several acrobatic saves to keep the Acorns in the game. Off to overtime…

The three minutes given for the overtime period was not enough for either team to get on the board. Goaltender Eric Boruff (#20) was able to come up with some great saves to send both teams to a shootout.

The shootout looked as if it were going to be a marathon, but on Live Oak’s fourth attempt, the puck deflected off of Eric Boruff’s (#20) stick and into the net. Caleb Baltazar was unable to score in the final attempt given to the Bulldogs. Final Score: Live Oak 2- North Valley 1 (SO)