After going down two games in its quarter-final OMHA Playdown series against the Innisfil Winterhawks, the Bradford Bulldogs Novice A team found its rhythm and took a 4-2 victory in Game 3 on Innisfil ice.
“The first two games, we weren’t playing up to our ability,” admitted coach Joe Lotto. But Game 3 was a different story.
Jacob Lynn notched the first goal, with an assist from Logan McCarthy.
The second was by Luca Berenguer, unassisted – a slap shot from centre ice that found the back of the net.
Julian Sedgewick scored goal No. 3, from Andrew Reid – and then had the assist on Berrenger’s final marker of the evening.
Goalies Owen Jensen and Wyatt Belanger were “outstanding” in net, said Lotto.
Still trailing the series, two games to one, the Bulldogs are back on home ice Feb. 21 for Game 4 at the Bradford West Gwillimbury Leisure Centre at 7 p.m.
This has been a special year for the Novice team. Not only is it one of three Bradford teams to make the OMHA playdowns, it has also entered the Ford Drills and Skills contest – an online contest that will give 16 teams the opportunity to participate in a one-day Drills and Skills session with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
To enter, the Novices had to submit proof of community engagement, and sent in a photo and description of its food drive at Zehrs back in November.
The Bulldog Novices won the contest’s Early Bird Prize – “a private party, for the team and parents, at Real Sports Bar & Grill… with a Maple Leaf or a Leaf alumnus,” said Lotto.
The Leaf was Doug Gilmour, who posed for pictures, provided autographs and answered questions.
“It was an experience I’ll never forget, as a coach or as a fan,” Lotto said.
There is still time to vote in the Ford Drills and Skills contest. Voting closes on Feb. 28. Parents and supporters can cast one ballot per day online in support of their team.
