Ice Dogs Bark Worse Than Their Bite

It was expected to be a clash of the tempers in this weekend's double header home games against the Sydney Ice Dogs, and the teams didn't disappoint!

The Blue Tongues roster included local hero Dave Upton returning to the forwards line up and teamed with Zac Daunt, who is just as tenacious as Upton. Also added to the roster was Brad Young in his debut for the Gold Coast.

Few infractions were called in the first period, with Blue Tongues import forward Mike McRae capitalising on the Ice Dogs' first infringement, assisted by Adam Gebara and Dallas Costanzo to give the home side an early lead. The Blue Tongues were successful in killing off their only penalty in the first period. The teams headed to the locker rooms at the end of the first with the Blue Tongues on a powerplay, and a 1-0 lead.

The home side were a little flat at the start of the second period, and the Ice Dogs took advantage to take control of the game. Andre Di Christoforo evened up the score, netting a goal past Gold Coast goaltender CJ Anderson. This seemed to reignite the fire under the lagging Tongues, and they capitalised on an Ice Dogs' infringement, when Mike McRae, assisted by Dan Pedersen and Voldy Dashko, gave the Blue Tongues a 2-1 lead into the third period.

Right in the end of period horn, each team was given a 2 minute infringement, therefore both teams had to start the third with only 4 skaters on the ice.

Seven seconds into the third period, Matt Monaghan evened up the score, netting his second goal of the night for the Ice Dogs. As the teams were both a man down, no penalties were extinguished.

Gold Coast local and fan favourite, Dave Upton was given a chanted ovation when he scored the Blue Tongues' third goal of the night, assisted by debutant Brad Young and Adam Gebara.

Three minutes later, Blue Tongues defenseman Cam Trew and Ice Dogs' Adam Culligan were ejected from the game with both given a 5 minute penalty for roughing and a 20 minute game misconduct. Culligan was given a further 2 minutes penalty for slashing. This was sat by a teammate. The Ice Dogs did kill off the penalty, however, and the score remained at 3-2.

Import defenseman Voldy Dashko, assisted by Mike McRae and Dan Pedersen, gave the Blue Tongues the insurance goal they wanted with 8 minutes and 20 seconds left in the game.

The Ice Dogs upped the intensity as frustration seeped into their play. While they continued to obtain possession, the Blue Tongues defense was working hard and putting their bodies on the line to block as many shots from reaching goaltender CJ Anderson as possible.

Less than half of the period left to play, one of the Ice Dogs players went crashing to the ice and Blue Tongues import Mike McRae was penalised 2 minutes for kneeing, 5 minutes for high-sticking and given a game misconduct, resulting in an automatic 1 game suspension. Marco Bertossa sat the remaining 6 minutes and 13 seconds in the game for the 2 and 5 minute penalties, while McRae headed to the dressing room.

The Blue Tongues were now shorthanded for rest of the duration, and would really test their special teams' ability to kill off the 7 minutes of penalties.

Nail-biting doesn't begin to describe the atmosphere at Bundall Iceland and the fans were on the edge of their seats as the Blue Tongues played 4 skaters against the Ice Dogs' 5. Shorter shifts were given to the rotating lines, and the Ice Dogs tried all they could to retain possession of the puck.

Each team called a 60 second time out to discuss strategy for the final 90 seconds of the game. Sydney pulled their goaltender, James Herbert, giving them 6 skaters over the Blue Tongues' 4.
Gold Coast's defense was outstanding, and with 30.10 seconds left on the clock returning forward Dave Upton took possession of the puck and from just over half way shot the puck towards Sydney's empty net. An Ice Dogs defender tried to sweep the puck off its course, but the puck sailed over the goal line and stopped at the back of the net. As Upton celebrated on one knee, the crowd celebrated by chanting his name over and over again. The roar of the crowd was sure to be heard down the street.

The Blue Tongues defeated the Sydney Ice Dogs 5-2 at full time.

The Ice Dogs have a chance for revenge tomorrow night when these two teams face off again at Bundall Iceland. Puck drop is at 4pm and tickets are available at the door.