Dogs fall 2-1 to Clippers

A pretty flat start to this one, as neither team appeared to be firing on all cylinders, with both goalies not seeing much rubber early. The most action might have been between the whistles and the next puck drop, with several extended after-the-whistle skirmishes breaking out. On the second one, the Dogs ended up down a man, and the Clippers made quick work on the power play as Scott Prier's shot from the high slot was stopped by LaCouvee, but he couldn't control the rebound as Sheldon Rempal one-timed it home into the open side. Devin Brosseau also picked up an assist on the play to make it 1-0, 11:19 into the first. The Bulldogs would answer back to tie the game in the final minute of the period as Mitch Makin blocked a point shot and raced out of the zone and worked a give-and-go to perfection to enter the zone with Mak Barden as he drove the net and received a return pass in tight and went top corner, short-side on Argue to tie it at 1-1 at 19:20 of the first.

The Bulldogs would put forth a better effort in the second period, but LaCouvee might have still been their best player as they were out shot 22-15 in the period. Neither team would find the net though, as the 1-1 score carried over into the third.

The third period was played tight to the chest, with each team having their chances to get the go ahead marker. The Bulldogs would have several outstanding looks on an early-period power play chance as the puck didn't leave the zone for a full two minutes, but the Dogs were unable to connect. Tryg Strand had the best chance on a wide open look in the paint but he just couldn't settle the bouncing puck. The Clippers would take a 2-1 lead later in the period on the rush when the puck went high in the air at the Dogs line and the played was called on side as the Clippers found it and walked in on goal. Brendan Taylor put a hard cross-ice pass onto the tape of Mason Mitchell who was driving the net, where he tipped it under the cross-bar and in. Bo Brauer also picked up an assist on the play at 7:02 of the third. The Dogs would have their chances to tie it late in the third, most notably Mak Barden who saw the puck bounce over his stick while skating in alone, and Harlan Orr who walked into the slot late in regulation but his wrist shot hit the post and stayed out and the Clippers made the 2-1 lead stand for the final score.

Shots favoured the Clippers 43-34 with Connor LaCouvee picking up 2nd star honours while taking the loss, Jayson Argue took 3rd star honours with the win. The Dogs went 0 for 2 on the power play while the Clippers went 1 for 1.

The Dogs are next in action Sunday at 5:30 when they host the Penticton Vees.