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PeeWee AA1 News 2005-2006
Sunday, March 12, 2006 Alliance Falls to Stars in Exhibition...
Dallas Stars Selects - 6, Alliance - 1 To stay in game shape for the playoffs, the Bulldogs and Stars met in their second scrimmage Sunday morning, and it would be the Stars turn to skate away with a convincing win. Both teams played fairly evenly in the first, with the Stars eventually winning the period.
It started with a Bulldogs penalty just a few minutes into the first (12:21), in which the Stars wasted no time scoring on a power play goal 21 seconds later (12:00) to take a 1-0 lead. Later in the period, the Stars scored their second goal (3:50) to take a 2-0 lead. At the end of the period, the Bulldogs responded with a breakaway goal (1:03) in which a Bulldog deked the goalie, and went opposite side into the net to bring the score within one at 2-1. Shots were Bulldogs 7, Stars 8.
There was no scoring in the second frame, and each team received one penalty, which they both killed off. The Bulldogs dominated in shots with 9 to the Stars 3.
The Stars would get busy early in the third frame, and dominate, with a scoring spree of three goals within one and a half minutes to take a demanding 5-1 lead. The Stars didn’t stop attacking, and scored their final goal with 7:35 left to finish the score 6-1. Frustration spilled over, and the Bulldogs received three penalties during the remaining minutes of the game. Third period shots were Bulldogs 10 and Stars 17. Total shots were Bulldogs 26, Stars 28.
Saturday, February 25, 2006 Bulldogs Nip Aces in Final League Tilt...
Alliance - 2, Texas Aces - 1: The Bulldogs faced the Aces in their second NTXHL meeting Saturday night at Stonebriar mall, and like their one goal game back in October, both teams played each other aggressively and close, with the Bulldogs again edging the Aces by a goal.
The first frame set the table for the game, with strong goaltending, aggressiveness, and offensive pressure. The Bulldogs edged the Aces in shots and opportunities, and the Aces edged the Dawgs in attacking. The Dawgs received two penalties to the Aces one, in which all were killed. Shots were Bulldogs 13, Aces 5.
The second frame saw more opportunities materialize, starting with an Aces penalty at 8:31 that put the Bulldogs on a power play, which they converted 11 seconds later into a goal for a 1-0 lead at 8:20. The goal came from a Bulldog skating high across the Aces zone, and quickly pulling back and launching a bullet of a wrist shot from the top left face off circle that went through traffic and into the top left corner of the net.
Less than three minutes later, the Bulldogs scored again (5:42), on an important goal that pin-balled its way into the net, starting from a close-in wrist shot that hit the post, bounced out, hit the back of the goalies skate, and then bounced into the net for a 2-0 lead. The Aces rallied, and with less than a minute left in the frame (40 seconds), scored to bring the margin to within one at 2-1. Matching penalties were handed out after the period ended, to be served at the beginning of the third. Shots in the second were Bulldogs 12, Aces 7.
The third frame played similar to the first, with no scoring by either team. The Bulldogs left the door open however, receiving three penalties in the period (14:33, 11:11 and 2:16). But thanks to strong goaltending and penalty killing, the Aces would not convert. Late in the game, the Aces made one last attempt to score, pulling their goalie for the extra attacker, and brought a series of pressure and shots, but the Dawgs would dig in and protect their one goal lead to the end. Shots in the third frame were Bulldogs 7 and Aces 10. Total shots were Bulldogs 32, Aces 22.
The Bulldogs finish the NTXHL regular season in 3rd place with a 12-5-3 league mark, and look to start the playoffs Saturday March 18.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006 Bulldogs Take Down Stars in Exhibition...
Alliance -6, Dallas Stars Selects -2: Bulldogs jumped up early on the Stars Select, and kept them at bay in a scrimmage Tuesday night at Farmers Branch, earning a win and some satisfaction, given their last meeting in the State playoffs. The Bulldogs wasted no time in scoring on the first and second shifts, to set a strong tone for the game. The first goal came at 14:25 from a nice pass in front, to a Bulldog that quickly backhanded the puck high into the net to make it 1-0.
The second Bulldog goal would come at 13:31 on a nice low back hander that beat the goalie for a 2-0 score. The Stars received two penalties at 5:43 and 4:12, giving the Bulldogs a 5-on-3 power play, in which they scored their third goal (3:46) from a nice pass from behind the net to a Bulldog positioned at the corner of the Stars net, who put it in for an easy goal and a 3-0 lead. With 2:24 left in the period, the Bulldogs would again strike on a power play goal, from a Bulldog rushing in and taking a hard low wrist shot to make it 4-0. With 30 seconds left, the Stars found the back of the net to close the period 4-1. Shots were Bulldogs 9, Stars 8.
The Stars continued their momentum at the beginning of the second frame, by striking at 14:47 to bring the score within two at 4-2. The rest of the period had no other goals, and saw four Alliance penalties and two Stars penalties, which all were killed. Shots in the second were Bulldogs 10, Stars 9.
The Bulldogs would build on their lead in the third, with two more goals. The first at 12:31 on a two-on-one rush, where the center made a nice pass over to a Bulldog rushing in on the net who shot and scored to make it 5-2. The next goal was a shorthanded goal (5:46), that started with a pass out to the point, shot taken and a Bulldog was there to shoot in the rebound at the corner of the net to finish the scoring 6-2. Shots in the third frame were Bulldogs 5 and Stars 8. Total shots were Bulldogs 24, Stars 25.
The Bulldogs next and last NTXHL game is against the Texas Aces, Saturday February 25 at the Frisco mall.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006 Alliance Celebrate Valentine's Day with Win...
Alliance - 7, DJHA '94 AA - 3: In their second league meeting, Bulldogs beat the DJHA '94 AA Penguins Tuesday night in Frisco to help secure the third place position in the NTXHL standings. The Penguins took the Bulldogs by surprise at the opening face off, by winning it and then skating through the Bulldog line and scoring in 11 seconds flat to take an immediate 1-0 lead. That apparently was all the wake-up call the Bulldogs needed, as they would rally after receiving a penalty (11:42), and score 22 seconds later on a shorthanded goal, starting with a Bulldog skating in on the right side, and back-handing the puck along the ice towards the Penguins goalie, who was not anticipating the low shot, and in it went to tie the game 1-1.
Towards the end of the period, the Bulldogs scored (4:46) to take a 2-1 lead on some hard work in the corner, and a heads-up pass over to a Bulldog skating in at the hash marks, who shot and scored on a nice wrist shot that went top right. The Bulldogs continued their heavy pressure, and finished the period scoring two more goals. The first came with 37 seconds left, as a Bulldog skated the puck across the Blue line, deked out a DJHA skater, and then skated in and then deked the goalie to score and make it 3-1. With 24 seconds left, the Bulldogs won the face off, skated in, shot and scored on a lose puck in front of the DJHA goalie to finish the period 4-1. Shots in the first were, Bulldogs 15, DJHA 2.
The Bulldogs let down in the second, having breakdowns that allowed the Penguins to win the frame in spite of being out shot two-to-one. The Penguins first goal came at 13:49, when they skated through the Bulldog line and went top shelf to make the score 4-2. The Bulldogs would get the only penalty in the period (9:36), which they easily killed. DJHA finished the period strong with another goal (4:03) that went through the five hole to bring the score within one goal, 4-3. Shots in the second were Bulldogs 14, Penguins 6.
The Bulldogs rebounded in the third to dominate in pressure and shots. The Dawgs received a penalty early in the period (13:07), which they killed off, and in the last half of the game, the Bulldogs would open up their lead with a goal at 6:22 on a strong wrist shot to make it 5-3, and then added another goal just under two minutes left on a low shot (along the ice) right in front of the net to make it 6-3. The Penguins received a penalty at 1:05, in which the Bulldogs capitalized on their power play with a goal (40 seconds left) to finish the scoring 7-3. Shots in the third were Bulldogs 16, Penguins 6. Total shots were Bulldogs 45, Penguins 14.
Sunday, February 5, 2006 Unbelievable Game, Scenerio: All 4 Teams Tied After Pool Play...
Alliance - 2, Hitmen - 2: The Bulldogs came within 2 tenths of a second (:00.2) of winning Game 3 and advancing to the Final of the Tier II U12 Texas State Championships Sunday morning at Polar Ice in Grapevine. But the Houston Hitmen somehow scored in the literally the last second to earn a tie, and with the Ice Jets and Stars also playing to a 2-2 tie on the other rink, the State Championships were thrown into unknown territory as all 4 teams still remained tied at the end of pool play.
The Bulldogs knew their foes from the Big H would be a battle, and two goals late in the first, plus “top shelf” goaltending through out the game were huge in making that happen. The Bulldogs start was a bit rough, with an early penalty (12:13) and a lot of turnovers, but the Dawgs would fight through it and as the period progressed, would find their stride. The Hitmen got a penalty at 4:55 and the Bulldogs turned around and received the next two at 4:32 and 4:01. All penalties were killed and at 1:03, the Bulldogs made a strong rush on the Hitmen, took a low shot along the ice (just out from the hash marks) that skimmed its way into the right side of the net to take a 1-0 lead.
Shortly after, the Hitmen received a penalty (45.6 seconds left) and gave the Bulldogs a power play opportunity in which they took full advantage, and scored with .06 seconds left, on a lose puck in front of the net that found a bulldog to slap it in for a two goal lead. First period shots were Bulldogs 9, Hitmen 11.
Play in the second saw the Hitmen edging out the Bulldogs with one goal, and a lot of time/pressure in the Bulldog zone. The Hitmen would capitalize on a Bulldog penalty (6:29) and score a power play goal (4:55) with a play that started when a Hitman picked up a lose puck behind the Bulldog net and skated in front and shot for their first goal to make it a 2-1 game. A minute later, the Hitmen would receive a penalty (3:55) in which they killed off. Score after two was 2-1 Alliance, and shots were Bulldogs 4, Hitmen 10.
The Battle would continue in the third, with both teams staying out of the box and trying to create opportunities. The Hitmen would continue to keep their edge in shots and pressure, but steady Bulldog goaltending kept them out of the net as the period wound down. It was crunch time, and with well under a minute to play and seconds ticking down fast, the Hitmen pulled their goalie for the extra attacker. The Bulldogs defended well, but with 7.5 seconds left, the Bulldogs were called on a questionable icing call and play was brought back to their zone for a face off.
The Bulldogs won the face off, pulling it to the boards where another Bulldog tried icing it, but a Hitmen (defensemen) kept it in, passed it deep to a Hitmen open in the corner, who then skated in, shot and scored on the short side as the period ended. Officials met with the scorekeeper on the controversial timing of the goal, and afterwards, ruled it a goal and a tie game. Third period shots were Bulldogs 6 and Hitmen 15. Total game shots were Bulldogs 19 and Hitmen 36.
After following the tie-breaking procedures and still coming up empty, a call to the USA Hockey headquarters in Colorado resulted in a round-robin shootout to determine the finalists. In not the best way, but apparently the only way, the shoot-out that ensued determined that the Houston Hitmen will play the Ice Jets '93 AA in the Championship Game to decide the Texas representative to the Tier II U12 Rocky Mountain District Championships in Denver March 9-12.
The results of the round robin tie-breaker (between all four teams) ended with the following scores based on 5 shooters (each team) and 15 shots total (each team). Houston Hitmen 7 goals, ’93 Ice Jets 6 goals, Bulldogs 5 goals, Dallas Stars Selects 4 goals.
Saturday, February 4, 2006 Tier II U12 State Tournament - Alliance Drops Game 2 in Final 2 Minutes...
Stars - 1, Alliance - 0: The goalies put on a show for the crowd Saturday afternoon at Polar Ice, in a game with more than 70 shots on goal, but the Stars finally slipped one in with just under 2 minutes remaining to win Game 2 of the Tier II U12 Texas State Championships in Grapevine.
Both teams battled head-on in the first, with the Bulldogs having the edge in hustle and opportunities to score, with 15 shots to the Stars 8. No goals were scored and the Bulldogs would receive the first early penalty (12:55) and the Stars a late one (1:21 left).
The Bulldogs would continue to out play the Stars in the second, but at 10:18 penalties started for both teams. The Bulldogs received the first, and shortly after the Stars turned around and got the next (9:27). Play was 4-on 4 until 8:18, the Dawgs penalty expired and they went on a short power play that lasted all of 11 seconds, when they received the next penalty at 8:07. The Bulldogs looked to kill this penalty off, but found themselves deeper in the hole when they received a two and a ten-minute penalty (7:01).
The Bulldog penalty kill went into full mode and did a fantastic job killing the overlapping penalties. Thirty seconds after the kill, the Bulldogs were back in the box again (4:29) and at 2:55, it was the Stars turn to go to the box. Despite all the Bulldog penalties, they still managed to have great chances to score (including several breakaways), and out-shot the Stars two-to-one with 21 shots to the Stars 9. Score after two was still 0-0.
Just like the Bulldogs morning game, the third frame would be a nail-biter, and it again lived up to that. The Bulldogs continued to bring the kitchen sink with many great opportunities to score (again several breakaways), but would be denied again and again. The Dawgs did a great job staying out of the box, and had one power play opportunity late in the game on a Stars penalty (5:14), but could not convert. The tension was again high late in the game, and the Bulldogs certainly continued to play hard.
But at 1:55, the Stars shot the puck (along the ice) across the goal, hitting the far post and banking it in for the 1-0 lead and eventual winning goal. The Bulldogs would take a time out at 1:07, pull their goalie for the extra attacker, and see if luck would prevail. It would not, and the Stars would thank their lucky stars (on a great Goaltender) for the fortunate one goal win. Big kudos also go out to the great Bulldog goaltending that kept the team in contention with his outstanding play. Shots in the third frame were Bulldogs 14 and Stars 6. The Bulldogs out-shot the Stars (two-to-one in the game) with 50 and the Stars 23. The Bulldogs next state tournament game is against the Houston Hitmen, Sunday February 5 at Polar Ice.
Bulldogs Upset #1 Seed Ice Jets ’93 in Game 1 of State Championships...
Alliance - 3, Ice Jets '93 AA - 2: The Bulldogs picked a good time to get their first win over the Ice Jets '93 AA, as they upset the Jets in Game 1 of the Tier II U12 Texas State Championships Saturday morning at Polar Ice in Grapevine. The Bulldogs started the game strong, and surprised the Ice Jets by loading up on goals early in the first, and continually skating/attacking through out the game. Thanks to “Stand On Your Head” goaltending and hard work from all skaters, the Dawgs were able to see their lead through to a WIN.
Scoring started on the second shift of the game, with a strong Bulldog fore-check that redirected the puck behind the Ice Jet net for a Bulldog player to pick it up, make a well placed pass through traffic to the open slot, where a Bulldog player was there to put the biscuit in the basket from a nice wrist shot for a Bulldog lead 1-0. On the next shift, the Bulldogs kept the momentum going, by scoring on another excellent pass from a Bulldog player (back corner of net) right across in front of the goal to a Bulldog at the back door, who shot it in for a 2-0 lead.
The Bulldogs would get a penalty at 11:45 that they killed, and shortly after found the back of the net for the third time (9:05) from a Bulldog shot that deflected off an Ice Jet skate to take a 3-0 lead. The Ice Jets changed their goalie and later in the game, the Ice Jets would be the next to get a penalty (6:35), and the Bulldogs would follow just over a minute and a half later with their own penalty (5:02). This turned costly, as when the Ice Jet penalty expired, they went on the power play and scored (3:36) to make it a 3-1 game. The Ice Jets dialed up the pressure the remainder of the first with an array of shots, that would be met with one great save after another. Shots in the first were Bulldogs 8 and Ice Jets 15.
The second frame saw both teams battling back and forth, with excellent opportunities to score. The Ice Jets would have the early momentum and shots, but the Bulldogs would play strong the second half of the frame with their own flurry of shots. Only one penalty, and that was late in the frame (1:18) against the Ice Jets for cross checking from behind. No scoring occurred, and after two it was still Bulldogs 3 and Ice Jets 1. The Bulldogs would be the ones to lead in shots this frame, with 16 to the Ice Jets 9.
You knew the third frame would be a nail biter, and it certainly lived up to that. The top of the period had the Ice Jets killing of the remaining 45 seconds of their penalty, and then shortly after that, both teams received penalties (14:15). Ice Jets got the first call and then a Bulldog penalty after the whistle. Play would remain 5-on-5, and then at 11:23 the Ice Jets would get another penalty and in turn the Bulldogs would follow suit again with their own, turning away their second power play opportunity in the period.
Both were killed off, and as the period wound down, play was “intense”, and at 4:54 the Ice Jets scored on a hard wrist shot to climb within one goal at 3-2. The remaining minutes couldn’t tick off fast enough, watching the Bulldogs do a great job of fighting off the Ice Jets attack to finish with a win. Shots in the third frame were Bulldogs 11 and the Ice Jets 13. Total shots for the game were Bulldogs 35 and Ice Jets 37.
The Bulldogs next state tournament game is against the Dallas Stars Selects later in the day (Saturday), February 4 at Polar Ice.
Wednesday, February 1, 2006 Bulldogs Fall Short Late to Ice Jets ‘93...
Ice Jets’93 - 4, Alliance - 2: “Should-of”, “Could-of”, but “Would not”. The Bulldogs played the ice Jets close (Wednesday night) right up to the final minutes, doing a lot of things well, but strong Ice Jet goaltending kept them at bay and eventually the Bulldogs would self-destruct late, allowing three Ice Jet goals in just over four minutes of play.
The Ice Jets looked flat in
the first and the Bulldogs looked strong, working hard, plugging up the neutral
zone and keeping play in the Ice Jet zone the majority of the period. Alliance
got the first penalty at 10:42 and the Ice Jets turned around and received the
next two penalties (within 6 seconds of each other). This gave the Bulldogs a
5-on-3 power play for roughly 1:15. Unfortunately, the Dawgs would do everything
but convert, and you just felt that opportunity might come back to haunt them. At
3:50 left, the Ice Jets got another penalty and the Bulldogs again went on the
power play, applying great pressure to score, but would not convert. Shots in the
first were Bulldogs, 7 and Ice Jets 2.
At 6:44, matching penalties were handed out, and at 6:22 the Bulldogs would get another penalty to kill off, and did so successfully. Ice Jets would finish the period by getting a penalty at 1:42, and again the Bulldogs would pile on the offensive pressure in hopes of scoring a power play goal, but again would be denied. At the end of two the score was tied 1-1, with the Bulldogs dominating in shots 16, to the Ice Jets 9.
The Bulldogs started the third a bit flat and would get in the hole early with two penalties at 10:23 & 9:43. The Ice Jets were now on a 5-on-3 power play in which they didn’t convert, thanks to excellent penalty killing and goaltending. As the period wound down, the action was intensifying and at 5:54, the Ice Jets would score and take the lead on a very controversial goal (where’s instant reply when you need it). The goal took the wind out of the Bulldogs, and you could see the wheels start to fall off for them. The Bulldogs got a costly penalty (3:28) and the Ice Jets would score (2:23) on a power play goal that went top shelf from a strong back hander to make it 3-1.
The Ice Jets looked to build their lead and again scored (fourth goal) less than a minute later (1:36). The Bulldogs regrouped finally and made a late rally, scoring their second goal (1:03 left) on a hard wrist shot that found “nothing but net”. The Ice Jets would go to the box one last time, so the Bulldogs pulled their goalie with 45 seconds left, and would end the final minute in a flurry of solid shots that would not go in. Shots in the third frame were Bulldogs 9 and the Ice Jets 9. Total shots for the game were Bulldogs 32 and Ice Jets 20.
The Bulldogs start play in the State Championship Tournament February 4-5 at Polar Ice.
Saturday, January 28, 2006 Bulldogs sweep two games against the Wolves this past week.
Alliance - 4, Lone Star Wolves - 0: Just 4 days after playing the LS Wolves in a close state qualifying game that the Bulldogs won, they faced them again in a NTXHL game Saturday afternoon at Polar Ice. The Bulldogs came to play and showed great hustle and controlled play that resulted in dominating time of possession in the Wolves zone.
The Dawgs started
the game with a lot of aggressiveness, getting great chances to score through
out the first frame. They did eventually score first (5:43), from a slap shot
out by center point that went top shelf. The Bulldogs continued their offensive
pressure and finished the frame strong by scoring their second goal with 58
seconds left from a pass that started from behind the Wolves net, out to his
center and a nice wrist shot into the net to take a 2-0 lead. Only penalties in
the period were matching ones with 46 seconds left. Bulldogs out shot the Wolves
15 to 6.
The third frame would be more of the same, plus more penalties. The Wolves would start it off with the first penalty at 14:42 and the Bulldogs would follow with one at the 13:00 mark. Wolves would get the next three penalties and at 7:19, the Bulldogs would score their fourth and final goal (power play), on a slap shot from the point, which was beautifully tipped down in front and redirected in for the score. The period would finish with matching penalties at 5:33 and two more Bulldog penalties at 3:43 and 53 seconds left. Kudos to strong goaltending by the Wolves, as the Bulldogs continued to dominate in shots with 15, to the Wolves 5. Total shots for the game were Bulldogs 48 and Wolves 13.
The Bulldogs next game is against the Ice Jets ’93, on Wednesday February 1 at Valley Ranch.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006 Bulldogs Score Early and Fend Off Ice Jets Late...
Alliance - 7, Ice Jets ’94 AAA - 5: You had better not arrived late to this game, as the Bulldogs started the game on fire and took the Ice Jets '94 AAA by surprise in this NTXHL contest at Valley Ranch Wednesday night. Early scoring by the Bulldogs was the difference maker against an aggressive come from behind attack by the Ice Jets.
First period scoring started with three even strength goals (on four shots) in the first 3 minutes of play. The first goal came on the second shift of the game (13:22), when a Bulldog skated in on the left side, passed across to his center in the slot, who then scored to give Alliance a 1-0 lead. Just under a minute later, the Bulldogs scored again (12:16) on a similar play that started from a strong rush, a pass across to the slot where again a Bulldog would be there to send it home for a 2-0 lead.
At 11:22, the
Bulldogs scored their third goal in four shots to take a 3-0 lead.
The Bulldog scoring would slow, as they would get the next two penalties (11:22
& 10:08). Just as the second Bulldog penalty was over and the
Bulldog was skating to the bench, the Ice Jets would score their first goal
from a strong offensive rush to make it 3-1. It would be the
Ice Jets turn to get the next two penalties (one a 4:00), in which the
Bulldogs would capitalize on their power play by scoring (1:46) off a nice
rebound that slid in front of a partially open net to then be picked up and
backhanded in for a score of 4-1. Shots in the third were Bulldogs
12 and Ice Jets 10.
Not sure what was said on the Ice Jet bench between periods, but they came out and never gave up, and ultimately owned the third. They wasted no time and scored at 13:27 to make it a 6-3 game. Their efforts would slow when they would receive penalties at 11:16 and 6:46, and were successful killing both off, and then it would be the Bulldogs turn to go to the box. The whole time, the Ice Jets were rushing and dominating in shots, until they would score two more times (2:17 & 1:03) to bring the score within one goal at 6-5.
The Ice Jets would pull their goalie and bring the extra attacker in hopes to tie the game, but a Bulldog player picked up the puck and took a very wide-angle shot that would score and seal the deal 7-5. Shots in the third frame were Bulldogs 7 and the Ice Jets 14. Total shots for the game were Bulldogs 26 and Ice Jets 34.
The Bulldogs next game will be against the LS Wolves Saturday January 28 at Polar Ice.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006 Bulldogs Qualify for State!
Alliance -3, Lone Star Wolves 1: The Bulldogs and
LS Wolves
battled fiercely Tuesday (at Polar Ice) for the right to play in the
State
playoffs and the Dawgs won out, scoring two goals in the third to finish strong.
Both teams played toe-to-toe in the first frame with a lot of hustle and
hitting. There was no scoring in the first and only one penalty (Wolves). Shots
were Bulldogs 9 and Wolves 7.
Scoring early (third frame) in this closely played game would be key to getting the edge, and that’s just what the Bulldogs did (13:48) shortly after the Wolves penalty (from the second) was served. Penalties would continue and at 9:54, the Bulldogs would score again on a power play goal to take a 3-1 lead. Alliance kept the door open for the Wolves, getting three more penalties (two in the last minutes of the game), but would again kill them all off and keep the Wolves scoreless in the third. Shots in the third frame were Bulldogs 11 and Wolves 16. Total shots for the game were Bulldogs 32 and Wolves 31.
Saturday, January 21, 2006 Bulldogs Shut Out Hawks in NTXHL Action…
Alliance - 4, Ice Hawks - 0: Bulldogs take advantage of their low shots on goal by making them count, as they beat the Dallas Ice Hawks in their second NTXHL meeting Saturday morning at Valley Ranch. Strong effort and excellent goaltending also contributed to the winning combination.
Play in the first
was as much about being on the ice as it was in the box, as both teams were
either on the power play or killing penalties the entire first period. The
difference was that Alliance did an excellent job killing off penalties
(especially the 5-on-3’s), and the Hawks didn’t capitalize on all their power
play opportunities and shots on net. The Bulldogs did however capitalize on one
of their power plays, by scoring first (5:21) from a Bulldog rushing in on the
right side and taking a wide angled shot that was difficult for the goalie to
handle, and would bounce off him and into the net. The period would end with a
one-goal lead from 3 Bulldog shots on net to the Hawks 6.
The Ice Hawks started out strong in the third frame, with a great fore check and controlled play. This was never so apparent than between the 6:00 and 8:00 minute mark, when the Ice Hawks pressed, keeping control in the Bulldog zone and making it very difficult for the Dawgs to get the puck out. The Bulldogs would quickly regroup and with 2:12 remaining, the Bulldogs added their own offensive pressure and scored on a play that started on a great pass that went through the neutral zone to a teammate up ice who skated in, shot, then picked up his own rebound and poked it in for the fourth and final goal of the game. Shots in the third were Bulldogs 3 and Ice Hawks 6. Total shots for the game were Bulldogs 12 and Ice Hawks 15.
The Bulldogs next game will be against the Lone Star Wolves Tuesday January 24 at Polar Ice.
Monday, January 16, 2006 PeeWee AA1 Fall Late to Hitmen…
Houston Hitmen - 2, Alliance - 1: In a consolation game of the Texas Star Winter Classic tournament in Euless Monday, the Bulldogs played toe-to-toe with the Houston Hitmen for two strong periods, but the Hitmen would take the third, scoring two goals to clinch the win. Play in the first period was very even, with both teams matching effort and skill. There was no scoring, even though the Bulldogs had the edge on opportunities by out-shooting the Hitmen 8 to 3.
The second frame would play closely also, and at 4:20 the Bulldogs would score first on a nice play that started from behind the net, when a Bulldog player got to the puck first, passed to his teammate positioned in front of the net, who then made a nice shot to find the back of the net and take a 1-0 lead. Second period shots were closer, with the Bulldogs at 8 and the Hitmen 6.
The Hitmen came out and took the third frame with their strong effort and pressure. Both teams were aggressive in their chances, but the Hitmen dominated in shots and eventually scored (6:45) on a strong backhand shot that would tie the game at 1-1. Less than a minute later, the Hitmen would score (5:51) the game winning goal. The Hitmen dominated in third period shots, with 12 to the Bulldogs 4. Total shots for the game were Bulldogs 20 and Hitmen 21.
Sunday, January 15, 2006 Alliance Overwhelmed by Colorado Springs…
Colorado Springs Tigers -11, Alliance -1: The Bulldogs clearly did not come to play in Game 3 of the Texas Star Winter Classic tournament in Plano Sunday afternoon, as the Colorado Springs Tigers dominated all aspects of the game, scoring 10 goals after the first two frames. The Tigers scoring would slow in the third, as the Bulldogs did a better job of keeping the Tigers out of their net, only allowing one goal in the final minutes of the game. The Bulldogs will play in a consolation game Monday in Euless against the Houston Hitmen.
Bulldogs Drop Close One to Florida…
Florida Sharpshooters - 4, Alliance - 3: The Bulldogs came looking for their second win of the Texas Star Winter Classic tournament against the Florida Sharpshooters Sunday morning at Farmers Branch, and despite numerous penalties, they were leading the hunt with just under ten minutes left in the third. But good teams are disciplined and that’s the lesson the Bulldogs need to learn, as they can’t give other teams a 5-on-3 power play the last five and a half minutes of a game.
The biggest Bulldog highlight in the first was their three incredible penalty kills, in which they only allowed one shot by Florida. The other highlight was their even strength goal (3:32) (slap shot from the point) to take a 1-0 lead. Florida would receive one penalty and no goals. Shots after one were Bulldogs 8 and Florida 1.
Second period highlights had Florida stepping their game up and scoring (9:41) shortly after another Alliance penalty was served to tie the game 1-1. The Bulldogs would answer back with a goal (7:11) to take the lead again 2-1. At 3:33, Florida would bring on a strong rush that would break through the Bulldogs and go top shelf to tie the score 2-2. Minutes later, the Bulldogs would get another penalty (1:46), and again killed it off. Second period shots were Bulldogs 4 and Florida 6.
The Bulldogs highlight in the third was the goal they scored (9:59) off a low shot from the point (may have been tipped) to take the lead 3-2. Despite some tough calls late in the third, the Bulldogs would receive two penalties (5:30) and face a Florida 5-on-3 power play. This was all Florida needed, and they punched through a goal at 5:08 to tie the game back up at 3-3. Lack of discipline continued for the Bulldogs, and with 2:36 left, the Bulldogs got another set of penalties handed to them, and continued to face a Florida 5-on-3. Florida clearly saw blood, and scored the game-winning power play goal with 1:55 left. Shots in the third were Bulldogs 7 and Florida 11. Total shots for the game were Bulldogs 19 and Florida 18.
Saturday, January 14, 2006 PeeWee AA1 Opens Texas Star with Win…
Alliance - 5, DJHA ’94 - 3: The Bulldogs started the Texas Star Winter Classic tournament with an important win over the DJHA '94 AA Penguins Saturday afternoon in Euless. Both teams played toe-to-toe until the final minutes of the game, when fortune (and a mishandled puck by DJHA) would shine down on the Bulldogs and they would net the game-winning goal with 1:22 left.
Both teams played evenly in the first frame, despite DJHA’s two power play opportunities. The Dawgs did a great job killing off their two penalties (11:24 & 7:53), and especially the later penalty in which they only allowed one shot by DJHA. Minutes later, the Bulldogs scored first (4:37) on a nice two-on-one attack that started with the center skating the puck into the zone, drawing the one defensemen in, then passing over to the wing who skated in and went top right for the goal and a 1-0 lead. Later (last minute of the period), the Penguins put the full court press on and kept the puck in the zone to eventually score (on persistence), with 8.5 seconds left to tie the game at 1-1. First period shots were Bulldogs 7 and DJHA 5.
DJHA came out in the second with zip and momentum, and would score again (11:20) off a rebound to take the lead 2-1. The Dawgs showed their bite, and responded with a goal of their own 16 seconds later (11:04) to tie the game 2-2. The Penguins answer back also, when they scored at 8:14, from a backhand shot to take the lead again (3-2). Once again the Bulldogs showed their grit, and answered back when they needed to, for their third goal at 6:37 from a nice pass out (from the goal line) to a Bulldog who was armed and ready with his sniper shot to tie the game 3-3. The Bulldogs would later get a penalty at 3:31 left which they killed off. Shots in the second were Bulldogs 5 and DJHA 6.
The third period had both teams playing closely, looking for any opportunities to break something open. The first opportunity came when the Bulldogs got a penalty at 9:37 into the period giving the Penguins a power play. The Bulldogs were successful in killing the penalty off and keeping the score tied. The period wound down to the final minutes of the game when the Bulldogs again would get another penalty (3:18) to give DJHA another power play. The Bulldogs stepped up their penalty kill, and right at the end of it, got a lucky break and scored (1:22) from a mishandled puck by the DJHA goaltender that unexpectedly went into his own goal for 4-3 Alliance lead. What a game breaker.
The Penguins rallied after, pulling their goalie with 45 seconds left to have six attackers, but thanks to strong goaltending at the end (and the entire game), the Bulldogs did a good job defending. In one of their efforts to clear the puck out of the zone against the attacking Penguins, they lifted the puck up high, banking it off the glass to a Bulldog player who skated through the middle, shot and scored with 24 seconds left to give the Bulldogs their insurance goal they needed to finish with a win. Shots in the third were Bulldogs 12 and DJHA 8. Total shots for the game were Bulldogs 24 and DJHA 19
The Bulldogs will play two games Sunday in the Texas Star Winter Classic Tournament. The first will be in the morning against the Florida Sharpshooters and then in the afternoon against the Colorado Springs Tigers.
Saturday, January 7, 2006 PeeWee AA1 Starts New Year with Tie…
Alliance – 4, Tulsa - 4: Alliance came out firing, and took advantage of their energy to take an early 2-0 lead in the first period. They were not able to maintain the same level of play throughout, however, and the Tulsa Flames battled back to earn a tie in this NTXHL contest Saturday morning in Valley Ranch.
If there were a game that would prove that a goalie’s best friend is the goal posts, this would be the game. Tulsa’s goalie would certainly have to agree as the Bulldogs hit the posts 4 times and the crossbar once in what would be a back and forth game.
The Bulldogs had the pedal to the medal the first ten minutes of the game with strong offensive pressure and hard work. The result of their strong play was two similar type goals created from passes behind the net to Bulldog players posted low on the corners. The first goal was at 10:35 left in the 1st period and the second was at 7:02 left to take a 2-0 lead. Bulldog play was encouraging to see but was short lived, as they would start letting off the gas and the Flames started taking control the last four minutes or so of the period. Non the less, the Bulldogs would end the first frame with a 2-0 lead and dominate in shots with 12 to the Flames 6, which most came late in the period.
Just as the Bulldogs controlled most of the first frame, the Flames would do the same in the second with their continued momentum that resulted in an early goal (12:35) on a nice wrist shot to make it 2-1. The Flames were rallying big at this point, and just under two minutes later the Flames would score (10:47) to tie the game 2-2. Just over a minute later the Bulldogs received a penalty (9:39) and were close to killing it off before the Flames would score on a power play goal at 7:41 to take the lead 3-2.
Tulsa would find the sin bin (5:53) in which the Bulldogs quickly took advantage of their power play and scored (5:43) on a slap shot from the point to tie the game 3-3. Penalties would continue, with matching team penalties at 3:12 and then the Bulldogs would get another penalty at 2:20 in which they killed off. With 1.5 seconds left in the period, the Flames would again go to the box and look to start the third frame down a man. Score after two was 3-3 and the Flames out shot the Bulldogs 10 to 6.
The third period would play much closer between the two teams, with each scoring a goal a piece. The Bulldogs started the period on a power play but could not convert, but shortly after would score (12:18) on another nice slap shot from the point to take the lead 4-3. Tulsa would later answer back at 6:33 to tie the game 4-4. The Bulldogs finished the last few minutes of the period strong with nice opportunities that either hit the post or crossbar. Only penalties in the period were team matching ones at 2:24. Shots in the third were Bulldogs 9 and Flames 10. Total shots for the game were Bulldogs 27 and Flames 26.
The Bulldogs will play next in the Texas Star Winter Classic Tournament on the MLK weekend, starting Saturday January 14th.
Wednesday, December 14, 2005 PeeWee AA1 Drops DJHA in NTXHL Tilt…
Alliance - 6, DJHA ’94 - 1: The Bulldogs dominate DJHA '94 AA in their first NTXHL meeting of the year, in which the Bulldogs displayed strong play by all lines. The game seemed to be a mirror image of the game the Bulldogs played just 3 1/2 days earlier, but this time they came out on top in Valley Ranch on Wednesday night.
Shortly into the first frame, DJHA received a penalty in which the Bulldogs capitalized on a power play goal (11:02) that started from an extra effort pass to a Bulldog skating low into the slot, who then took a shot that went through the five hole and into the net for the 1-0 lead. At 6:38, the Bulldogs scored again from heavy pressure in front of the net, with a Bulldog there to send the rebound home to take a 2-0 lead.
DJHA quickly answered back (6:07), by scoring through the five hole to make it 2-1. The Bulldogs would score one more time in the period (3:55) to take a 3-1 lead heading into the 2nd period. The period wouldn’t end though, without back-to-back penalties on the Bulldogs, giving DJHA a 5-on-3 power play. Fortunately, the Bulldogs were able to kill the penalties off. First period shots were Bulldogs 14 and DJHA 4.
The Bulldogs continued to dominate the second frame, and scored at 10:35 on a walk-in goal that went top shelf to make it 4-1. At 5:17, the Bulldogs scored again off a beautiful forward pass up the center of the ice to a Bulldog that skated in on a breakaway and put the biscuit top shelf for a 5-1 margin. Just under two minutes later, the Bulldogs would score again (3:46) from a shot that was like a pinball, the shot deflected off the goalie, then the post and then in to make it 6-1. Shots in the second were Bulldogs 12 and DJHA 3.
The third period would play much closer between the two teams, and there was no scoring. Shots in the third were Bulldogs 7 and DJHA 5. Total shots for the game were Bulldogs 33 and DJHA 12.
The Bulldogs next game will be after the Holidays when they play the Tulsa Flames Saturday January 7th at Valley Ranch.
Sunday, December 11, 2005 PeeWee AA1 Falls to Hitmen NTXHL Tilt…
Alliance 2, Houston Hitmen 7: The Houston Hitmen came to avenge their loss against the Bulldogs (from October) and they did so with a vengeance. They were clearly on their game and knocked the Dawgs off theirs with a convincing NTXHL win Sunday morning at Valley Ranch.
Both teams were playing toe-to-toe the first few minutes of the game until the Bulldogs received a hooking penalty at 9:02. The Hitmen capitalized on their power play by scoring at 7:41 to take the lead 1-0. This clearly gave the Hitmen the momentum and just over two minutes later they would score again (5:28) on a backhander to take a 2-0 lead. Alliance got on the board, scoring at 3:44 on a strong rush that started from a great pass from the right side to a Bulldog crashing the net on the left side, which he then quickly beat the goalie on a nice wrist shot to make it a 2-1 game. The period ended with the Hitmen dominating in shots 14, to the Bulldogs’ 6.
The Hitmen would dominate the second frame in pressure, shots and goals. Shortly after the period began, Alliance received a penalty at 11:55 in which the Hitmen would take all of 23 seconds on their power play to score and build their lead to 3-1. The Bulldogs showed they have bite, and responded back with a nice wrist shot that found the back of the net (10:51) to close it within one at 3-2. That would be it for the Bulldogs, as the Hitmen owned the rest of the period, netting three more goals (6:22, 3:55 and 2:54) to end the period with a 6-2 lead. The Hitmen again dominated in shots with 10 to the Bulldogs’ 4.
The third period would play a little closer, but still the Hitmen would score one more goal at 6:39 to finish the game 7-2. Shots in the third were Hitmen 7, Bulldogs 8. Total shots for the game were the Hitmen 31 and Bulldogs 18.
The Bulldogs next game will be a make up game against DJHA '94 AA on Wednesday December 14 at Valley Ranch.
Saturday, December 3, 2005 PeeWee AA1 Battles Stars to Tie…
Alliance 3, Dallas Stars Selects 3: Always physical, these two teams just don’t like each other much, and in their second NTXHL meeting, the Bulldogs went toe-to-toe with the Dallas Stars Select in a game that saw a lot of hitting and penalties on both teams.
The teams played even in the first, having 9 shots, 3 penalties, and 1 goal each. The Dawgs came out hungry and aggressive, and got on the scoreboard first with an even strength goal at 10:56 from a nice wrist shot for a 1-0 lead. The Bulldogs then ran into trouble as they got three consecutive penalties (within a minute forty four), which put them on a short leash and an extreme disadvantage with a Stars 5-on-3 power play. The Bulldogs were successful killing one penalty, but the Stars pressure was too much and they scored off a rebound (5:48) to tie the game 1-1. With 16 seconds left, the Stars got a penalty to give the Bulldogs a power play opportunity going into the second frame. After one it was 1-1.
The second frame was all about power plays and penalties. The Bulldogs started on a power play, and then shortly after, the Stars got another penalty (13:59) to give the Bulldogs a short 5-on-3, and then a 5-on-4 power play, but could Alliance not convert. Penalties would continue the rest of the period for each team, until with 36.8 seconds left, the Bulldogs took advantage of a 5-on-3 power play and scored off a low slap shot from the point that was beautifully deflected into the net to take the lead 2-1. The Stars dominated second period shots with 12 to the Bulldogs 6.
Despite having to kill off a short 40-second power play at the beginning of the third period, the Stars dominated the first early minutes of the period, adding pressure and strong rushes that resulted in two walk-in goals (13:32 and 11:26) to take the lead 3-2. The Dawgs regrouped quickly, and at 9:57 scored to tie the game on a nice wrist shot that found the back of the net. Both teams would find the penalty box one more time, in which each killed their penalties nicely. Final score would stay tied, and third period shots were Bulldogs 6 and Jr. Stars 7. Total game shots were Bulldogs 21 and Stars 28.
The Bulldogs next game will be against the Houston Hitmen on Sunday December 11 at Valley Ranch.
Friday, November 25, 2005 Alliance Surprises Hosts at Mile High...
Alliance – 4, Littleton PWAA2 - 2: The Bulldogs got an outstanding performance from their goaltender and upset the Host Littleton Hawks PWAA2 team this morning at the 34th Annual Mile High Thanksgiving Holiday Tournament in Littleton, Colorado. Although being out-shot 38 to 15 in the game, the Bulldogs were able to make the most of their opportunities while their net-minder continued to hold the Hawks at bay on the defensive end.
Alliance opened the scoring, taking a 1-0 lead at the 11:26 mark of the first period, and held that lead through the end of one period of play. After Littleton tied it up at 1-1 in the 2nd period, the Bulldogs re-took the lead late in the 2nd frame on a short-handed tally with just 1:10 remaining in the period, giving them the momentum back and a 2-1 lead headed into the 3rd and final period of play.
Littleton would not go easy, and the Hawks tied it up again at 2-2 at 6:38 of the 3rd. It would stay tied until only 2:20 remained in the game, when Alliance would get the eventual game winner for a 3-2 lead. The Bulldogs would add an insurance goal 11 seconds later, right off the ensuing face-off, and then hold on for a really nice 4-2 win.
The Dogs will have their hands full again later today, when they face the Littleton Hawks PWAA1 team in their 3rd Pool Game.
Thursday, November 24, 2005 PeeWee AA1 Finds Going Tough at Mile High...
SJ Jr. Sharks '93 AAA - 5, Alliance – 4; SJ Jr. Sharks '94 AA - 5, Alliance - 3: The PeeWee AA1 dropped both games today at the 34th Annual Mile High Thanksgiving Holiday Tournament to teams from the San Jose Jr. Sharks organization. Although out-shooting their opponent in each game, the Bulldogs were not able to hold off the Shark attacks. Alliance will attempt to come back to the win column on Friday, with 2 games against the host Littleton Hawks PeeWee teams.
Sunday, November 6, 2005
Bulldogs End NTXHL Weekend with a Win...
Alliance - 7, Lone Star Wolves - 2:
No one fed these two
teams lunch before Sunday's
NTXHL
game at Polar Ice in Grapevine (noon), as both
teams came out with a lot of bite. The
Dawgs came out hungry, adding a ton of pressure
and shots, and the
LS Wolves
just came out hitting.
The game played out like that sport where there
are rounds, and a bell signifying that each team
is to take a break and come out hard again.
All penalties were killed
off when the Wolves again dug themselves a hole,
getting two penalties (5:55 & 3:36) that gave the
Bulldogs two power play opportunities. The
Wolves killed the first penalty off but didn't on
the second, as the Bulldogs power play prevailed
from strong fore-checking in the Wolves zone, in
which the puck was stolen from a Wolves player,
passed over to an open man skating in who scored
(2:17) on a pretty wrist shot to make it 2-1.
At 1:21 left in the period, the Bulldogs would see
the box one last time. The Bulldogs dominated in
shots with 19 to the Wolves 3.
At the center ice face off, a Bulldog would be sent to the box again, this time for charging (10:17) and give the Wolves another power play. At 9:30, matching penalties were given to both teams keeping it still a 5-on-3 Wolves advantage. At 9:03 the Bulldogs continued to collect penalties by getting their 8th penalty of the game, giving the Wolves another short 5-on-3 power play. The Dawgs did another great job killing off the penalties and just after it expired, a Bulldog player hopped over the bench, skated to mid ice to catch a pass and take it down for a breakaway goal (5:52) to make it 6-2.
With 3:50 left, the Bulldogs brought on another hard rush and scored from a slick back hander to make it 7-2. Frustration hit it's ugliest at 1:59, when a squirmish broke out and ejections were made on two Wolves players and one Bulldog player. Still 5-on-5, the Bulldogs were now filled with more moxie, and would be sent to the box two more times (1:45 & 51 seconds) to kill off a 5-on-3 power play attack for the rest of the game. Third period shots were Bulldogs 7 and Wolves 7. The Bulldogs dominated overall shots in the game with 36 to the Wolves 16.
The Bulldogs next
action will be against the
DJHA '94 AA
in a
NTXHL contest on Tuesday November 15th in Frisco. Saturday, November 5, 2005
Bulldogs Earn Tie in Back & Forth NTXHL Tilt...
Alliance 3, Tulsa Flames 3: The Bulldogs out shot the Tulsa Flames by a wide margin in this game, but penalties continued to plague the Bulldogs this weekend, and given how many they got against the Tulsa Flames Saturday night, they were lucky to walk away with a tie. Both teams played evenly most of the first period, and in short spurts the Bulldogs did a great job of controlling the puck in the Flames zone and having nice opportunities to score. Both teams got one penalty each, and both did a nice job killing them off. After one period, the game remained scoreless and shots were Bulldogs 8, Flames 5.
The second period started the revolving penalty box door, as the Bulldogs saw it first (11:33), in which the Flames capitalized on a power play goal (10:52) to take the lead 1-0. Twelve seconds after the goal, the Bulldogs were back in the box killing off another penalty. At 9:06 Tulsa joined in and got a penalty, and at 7:42, both teams received matching penalties to keep it 5-on-5. At 5:19 the Bulldogs were back in the box with their 5th penalty of the game to give the advantage to the Flames, but, the Bulldogs did a nice job killing of this latest penalty.
With 2:14 left, the Flames were awarded a penalty shot, as their player was pulled down from behind after skating around the defense on a breakaway. The Flames capitalized on the penalty shot by scoring to make it 2-0. Not to be deterred, the Bulldogs continued to attack and with 9.8 seconds left, the Bulldogs netted their first goal to make it 2-1 after 2 periods of play. Shots in the second were Bulldogs 9 and Flames 5.
The B |