Squirt A

Squirt A News 2005-2006

Sunday, March 26, 2006

Alliance Squirt A Wins NTXHL Championship!!!

Alliance - 5, Aeros North - 2: The Bulldogs put a great cap on a great season, with a solid win over the Houston Aeros North in the Game 3 of the Best of 3 NTXHL Championship Series Sunday afternoon in Frisco.

The result of a long season of hard work and fun is now the right to be called the reigning NTXHL Squirt A CHAMPIONS for 2006-2007. After a disappointing Game 2 loss by a score of 1-0 in a tightly played game the night before, the Dogs came out barking in the Championship Game.

The Bulldogs jumped ahead less than 4 minutes into the game, on a Sizzling Wrister from the Left Wing that resulted in a fat rebound off the right crease, that was slammed home by the Center and a 1-0 lead. With 2 minutes to go in the first period, Alliance struck again on a neutral zone steal by the Right Wing, and a blazing shot from the left high slot that was deflected in just outside the crease by the Left Wing for a 2-0 lead.

Three minutes into the second period, the same lethal forward combination that scored the second goal combined again. A perfect pass from the Center on the right boards to the Right Wing in the low right slot, and a 1 time pass to Left Wing on the low left slot, allowed for a 1 Timer that bounced the goalies water bottle for a 3-0 lead. The Aeros scored their first goal with 41 seconds remaining in the second for a score of 3-1 going into the final period of play.

The Bulldogs scored quickly on a neutral zone steal by the Right Wing, and a lightning fast wrister at the blueline that was too much for the Aeros netminder to handle, and a 4-1 lead. With 4 minutes to go and the Dogs on a power play, the Aeros scored a "shorty" to cut the lead to 4-2.

The last 2 minutes were played with an empty Aeros net. With one minute to play, the Bulldog Goalie passed the puck to the Right Wing, who slid a "curling" shot the length of the ice and into the net for the game's final goal, sealing THE CHAMPIONSHIP by a score of 5-2.

One thing that defined the Squirt A Bulldogs throughout the season, was that they were in every sense of the word - a "TEAM". Their unselfish play, passing, and friendship will carry with them the rest of their lives. The men that brought this group of young boys and girl together, and formed them into a TEAM were the coaches: Keith Andresen and Bob Windschitl, well as Troy Woody and Lyndon Westerberg, our words of gratitude and thanks can never be enough.

Monday, February 20, 2006 Bulldogs Drop 3rd Place Game, Finish 4th…

Burnaby - 6, Alliance - 3: Two late goals in the final 40 seconds of the first period was a blow from which the Bulldogs could not recover, and they fell to the Burnaby Winter Club of Burnaby, British Columbia in the 3rd Place Game of the 29th Annual Presidents' Day Hockey Tournament in Colorado Springs on Monday morning.

With the score at 2-1 late in the 1st period, the 2 goals made it 4-1 Burnaby headed into the 2nd, and from there the teams would trade 2 goals each for the final 6-3 score. After facing some tough competition in Colorado, the Bulldogs return home with a 28-13-2 season record, and begin preparing for the upcoming NTXHL playoffs in March.

Sunday, February 19, 2006 Bulldogs Fall in Semi-Final to San Jose…

San Jose - 5, Alliance - 1: Alliance’s run for the title ended on Sunday, as they lost their semi-final game of the 29th Annual Presidents' Day Hockey Tournament to the San Jose Jr. Sharks in Colorado Springs. The loss dropped the Bulldogs to 2 and 2 in the tournament going into their consolation game against the Burnaby Winter Club of Burnaby, British Columbia on Monday.

The Sharks jumped out quickly, with a goal in first minute and 15 seconds of the game to take a very quick 1-0 lead. San Jose captured the momentum from there, and scored 2 more times in the opening frame for a 3-0 lead headed into the 2nd period. All of the Shark goals came as a result of rebounds in front of the Bulldog net, with the third goal coming on a Sharks power play.

The second period was much better for the Bulldogs, as they battled the Sharks toe-to-toe, and the period ended up scoreless, with San Jose still leading 3-0 going into the final period of play. The Dogs scored in the first minute of the third period, on a great pass by the right wing to the center, a quick pass to the left wing at the blue-line, and a quick shot that beat the goalie top shelf to draw the score to 3-1. It was all the offense the Bulldogs could muster, though, and the Sharks scored the game’s next 2 goals within the final 5 minutes to seal the Bulldogs fate.

The Dogs will try to harness the tenacity and ferocious pursuit of the puck that they had in their 2 wins in Monday’s consolation game, looking to play hard to bring home third place, and return home for redemption in the coming NTXHL Playoffs.

Saturday, February 18, 2006 Alliance Earns Semi-Final with Win in Colorado…

Alliance - 8, LA Jr. Kings - 3: The Bulldogs rebounded from their only loss in the tournament and raced away from the LA Jr. Kings to win Game 3 of the 29th Annual Presidents' Day Hockey Tournament Saturday morning in Colorado Springs. The win earns the Bulldogs a spot in the Semi-Finals against the San Jose Jr. Sharks on Sunday.

Friday, February 17, 2006 Bulldogs Split 2 on Day 1 in Colorado…

Jr. Canadians - 3, Alliance - 1: The Bulldogs appeared to run out of steam in their second game of the day, and the Jr. Canadians from Midnapore, British Columbia scored a goal in each period to come away with the win in Game 2 of the 29th Annual Presidents' Day Hockey Tournament Friday afternoon in Colorado Springs. After a strong showing in Game 1 earlier in the day, the Bulldogs looked like the mile high altitude may have taken its toll on the boys from Texas.

The Bulldogs were uncharacteristically out-shot in the first period 8-2, out-shot the Canadians 5-4 in the second period, and were once again out-shot in the third period 5-2 in the third, making it 17-9 in favor of the Canadians for the game. It was the first game of the day for the Canadians, second for the Dogs, and it showed in the level of pursuit and possession of the puck. Alliance never gave up and played valiantly.

The Canadians scored 8 minutes into the game on a mid-slot shot and rebound poke-in for a 1-0 lead, which is how the 1^st period ended. Just 3 minutes into the second period, the Canadians struck again with a high slot shot and another rebound for a 2-0 lead. Only 2 minutes after falling down by 2 goals, the Bulldogs put the elusive biscuit in the basket with a steal by the Center, and a mid left slot shot that beat the Canadian goalie 5-hole to end the second period trailing only 2-1. Thirty-five seconds into the third period, the Canadians scored the game’s final goal on a mid slot shot that beat the Dogs goalie top shelf glove side for the final 3-1 margin.

Although the Bulldogs lost, they showed grit and determination in the game, and look forward to Saturday’s game against the Jr. Kings, and a possible rematch with the Jr. Canadians on Sunday in the semi-finals with fresh legs.

Strong Start Allows Bulldogs to Cruise…

Alliance - 8, KC Jr. Outlaws - 1: The Bulldogs scored 3 goals in the final few minutes of the opening period, and used that momentum to put the game out of reach in the second on their way to a convincing win over the KC Jr. Outlaws in their opening game of the 29th Annual Presidents' Day Hockey Tournament Friday morning in Colorado Springs. After taking a 1-0 lead at the 7:43 mark of the 1st period, Alliance blitzed the Outlaws late in the period to take a 4-0 lead into the 2nd period of play.

The Bulldogs did not allow a shot by the Outlaws until there was 10:35 to play in the 2nd period, but Kansas City would get on the board with a power play goal just over a minute later to make it 4-1 with 9:02 left in the middle frame. The Bulldogs would then pull away with the next 3 tallies to head into the final period with a 7-1 lead. The Dogs would add another goal in the 3rd for the final margin of victory.

All three forward lines scored at least 2 goals, in a complete team win, while out-shooting the Outlaws by a considerable amount. Alliance comes back for Game 2 later today, when they will face-off against the Jr. Canadians from Midnapore, British Columbia.

Sunday, February 12, 2006 Dogs Drop Regular Season Finale…

DJHA (H) - 5, Alliance - 3: After starting the season so strong, the Bulldogs limped to the end of the regular season, falling to the DJHA Squirt A in their final NTXHL game of the season. In the last 5 games, Alliance has gone 1-3-1...not exactly building momentum into the playoffs, but the Dogs look to recapture the rhythm that they earlier by starting a new winning streak in the playoffs.

Alliance scored first, less than 2 minutes into the game on a pin-point pass from a defeneman up to the center, who skated in and shot from the low right boards and the left wing poked in the gift laying in the crease for a 1-0 lead. With about 5 minutes left in the period, DJHA scored on a mid slot shot, rebound, shot, rebound and flip in goal for a 1-1 tie.

DJHA scored first in the second period with 4 minutes to go, on a shot from the high slot that bounced off the goalie glove and in for a brief 2-1 lead. One minute later, the Bulldogs evened the score with a left wing shot from the high left boards that beat the goalie 5 hole to tie the score at 2-2.

Just 3 minutes into the 3rd period, DJHA took the lead again at 3-2 on a shot with multiple rebounds that found the net. Another 2 minutes later, the Dogs evened the score on a right defenseman pass from the point to the left wing in the mid slot who 1-timed a pass to the right wing for another one-timer top shelf goal to tie the score at 3-3. Unfortunately, DJHA scored the games next 2 goals to win 5-3 over the Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs were out shot 31 to 22. Down 2 players to the flu, the Dogs went with 4 defenseman who were worn thin by killing 5 penalties. Alliance was 0 for 1 on the power play.

The Bulldogs must now regroup, and recapture the magic from the first half of the season for the President's Day Tournament this coming weekend in Colorado Springs, as well as the upcoming playoffs.

Saturday, February 11, 2006 Bulldog Comeback Nets Tie…

Alliance - 3, LS Wolves - 3: Alliance slept through the first two periods, but awakened in the 3rd to narrowly pull out a tie with the Lone Star Wolves in the NTXHL game's final seconds. The first period was dominated by the Wolves, who scored in the first 4 and 1/2 minutes, even strength on a soft shot, rebound and flip past the goalie for a 1-0 lead. They struck again with about 4 minutes remaining in the period, on a failed Dogs penalty kill, on a shot, rebound, and a mid-slot shot off the goalie glove to lead 2-0 after 14 minutes of play.

The second period showed the beginnings of the Bulldogs awakening, yet the Wolves scored once again with 55 seconds remaining on an outside shot that went past the goalies glove to lead the Dogs 3-0.

Finally, after 26 minutes of play, Alliance decided to play the final 13 minutes. That effort paid off 3 1/2 minutes into the period, on a strong skate into the zone and wicked wrister putting the biscuit in the basket and close the gap to 3-1. Just 90 seconds later, Alliance struck again, on some sweet moves by the left wing along the baseline, a quick shot, rebound and 1-timer by the right wing and a score of 3-2. The Dogs had one goal called off, but continued their puck hunger. With 3 seconds left to play, the right denfenseman shot from the point wide that bounced to the left wing in the low slot for a shot, rebound and one-timer by the right wing for a 3-3 Tie.

WOW, WHAT A STRONG DETERMINED COMEBACK FROM a 3-0 deficit. The Bulldogs showed what they are truly made of by scoring 3 goals in the 3rd, to gain a vital point to bring their season total to 31 with one game remaining on Sunday against the DJHA-H team in Richardson.

Sunday, February 5, 2006 Alliance Splits with Aeros North…

Aeros North - 3, Alliance - 1: In a rematch of Saturday's NTXHL game between the Bulldogs and the Houston Aeros North, the Dogs were unable to repeat their results from Saturday and fell to the Aeros at Valley Ranch. With first place within 2 points, Alliance just couldn't bring home the victory, and trail the league leader by two points with 2 games to play next weekend to end the regular season.

The first period was dominated by the Aeros North who had defeated the Aces 6-1 just 2 hours earlier in the day. The Aeros out-shot Alliance 6-2 in the 1st period, and out-skated the Dogs, who got their first shot almost seven minutes into the opening period. The Aeros scored an even strength goal 4 minutes 50 seconds into the opening frame on a right slot shot, rebound and dink in for a 1-0 lead.

The second period, on the other hand, was dominated by the Bulldogs, who generated 16 shots on net and held the Aeros to only 5. Despite the flurry of shots, the Aeros net-minder only gave up one goal in the period. With 1 minute and 47 seconds remaining in a 4 on 4 even strength rush, a Bulldog defenseman made a nice pass to the left wing on the goal line at the outside boards, who made a slick move to snap a shot 5-hole to tie the score 1-1.

The third Period, unfortunately, was dominated by Bulldog Penalties - 4 of them, including a 5 on 3 which resulted in two 3rd period Aero power play goals to split the weekend series with the DOGS. Most importantly to Alliance, is the Aeros (3 games remaining) victory brings them even with the Bulldogs at 30 points, and a second place tie with 2 games remaining. The league leading Texas Aces have 32 points with just 1 game remaining.

Next weekends final 2 games are on Saturday February 11th at 3:30 p.m. in Valley Ranch against the Wolves, and Sunday February 12th at 5:30 p.m. at the Ice Training Cnter against the DJHA Penguins. These games will determine the Bulldogs' final standings finish...What a Race to the Finish and Playoff Position in the Balance.

Saturday, February 4, 2006 Bulldogs Beat Aeros North in League Match…

Alliance - 3, Aeros North - 2: The Bulldogs came out flying, as the coach told the players before the opening draw that their first shot could not be stopped by the Aeros net-minder, and they rode that energy to a NTXHL win over the Houston Aeros North in Valley Ranch. The team made that motivation a reality, as they won the opening draw and stormed in for a nice deke and backhand shot by the center 17 seconds into the game for a 1-0 lead.

Just 2 minutes later, the Dogs scored again on tenacious play and a hold at the blue-line by the right wing, and a pass to the left wing wide who passed to the center in the low slot for a 2-0 lead. Less than 21 seconds later, the Aeros scored their first goal on a shot from the right face off to end the first period at 2-1.

The Aeros scored again quickly, just 2 minutes and 38 seconds into the second period, on a play that the Bulldog goalie was screened by too much traffic in front of the net, on a shot he no chance of seeing to even the score at 2-2.

The third period was dominated by the Bulldogs, with ten shots to just one by the Aeros. The Dogs' effort paid off with 5 minutes and 32 seconds left in the game, on a nice cycle of the puck between all 5 Alliance players, culminating in a sweet pass from the center on the right boards to the left wing in the low slot for a one timer top shelf goal and game winner at 3-2.

The Bulldogs were back to their old ways again, out-shooting their opponent 22-13, a strong team defensive effort, and goalie play to keep pace with the league leading team. For the season, the Dogs are 14-3-2 in NTXHL Play for 30 Points and 26-8-2 overall including tournament play.

Alliance's next game is a rematch with the Aeros North on Sunday February 5th 12:30 p.m. at Valley Ranch.

Sunday, January 29, 2006 Bulldogs Fall to Aces in NTXHL Action…

Texas Aces - 5, Alliance - 1: The Bulldogs played strong in the first period but struggled to control the puck the rest of the game and fall to the Texas Aces this morning in NTXHL action at the ITC in Richardson. The Aces scored on their first shot of the game at 9:28 in the first period to go up 1-0, on a wrap around wide and flip shot over the Dogs Goalie. Alliance scored a power play goal at 3:19 in the first to tie it at 1-1, with a steal in the neutral zone by the right wing and a skate in wide right, and great pass across the crease to the left wing for a top shelf one-timer. Even though the Dogs out-shot the Aces 7-2 in the period, the period ended tied 1-1.

The second period, and the rest of the game for that matter, was dominated by the Aces, as the Bulldogs just could not control the puck and exit the defensive zone. The Aces scored at 10:24 on a wrap around and slide in goal for a 2-1 lead. The Aces had 3 penalties in this period, but twice the Dogs retaliated after the whistle to offset the penalty, as both teams had players going to the Sin Bin. The Aces scored another goal at 5:49 on a slide in pass from the mid slot that found the net to make it 3-1. Just 45 seconds later, the Aces scored another goal at 5:03 on a slow shot that eluded the Alliance Net-minder to increase the lead to 4-1. The Aces out-shot the Dogs 13-4 in the 2nd period and took their 4-1 lead into the final period of play.

The Aces scored quickly in the third to make it 5-1 at the 12:10 mark, on a pass from behind the goal line on the right boards that deflected off the Bulldogs defender and in for the games final goal.

The Dogs were uncharacteristically out-shot by a 25-16 margin, in a game that gave first place to the Aces, who now have 32 points in 20 games and the Bulldogs trail them with 28 points in 18 games. The Dogs have a 25-8-2 record overall including tournament play, and 13-3-2 in NTXHL league play with 4 games remaining before the playoffs. The Bulldogs have never lost two in a row this season, and look forward to the two games next weekend to begin another win streak.

Alliance's next game is Saturday February 4th vs the Aeros North at Valley Ranch 6:15 p.m., and Sunday February 5th vs the Aeros North at Valley Ranch 2:00 p.m.

Saturday, January 28, 2006 Alliance Nips Hitmen for League Win…

Alliance - 3, Hitmen - 2: The Bulldogs continue their strong play and win NTXHL Game 17 by a score of 3-2 over the Houston Hitmen at the Deja Blue Rink in Frisco. Alliance opened the game with an even strength goal at 9:17 to take a 1-0 lead in the first period, with an aggressive steal by the center in the neutral zone and quick shot from the right mid-slot that beat the Hitmen goalie top shelf.

The second period carried a familiar tune, as the Dogs were on the penalty kill 3 times, successfully killing all 3. Just as the first penalty expired, the Bulldogs scored before the 5th player could reach the ice to make it 2-0 at the 6:32 mark on shot from the center, rebound and one-timer in the low slot by the left wing.

The third period began with 1:34 remaining on the Bulldogs penalty kill. Two seconds after the 3rd successful penalty kill, the Hitmen scored at the 11:24 mark to bring the score to 2-1, and end the Bulldogs shutout. Twenty three seconds later, the Hitmen scored again on an Alliance turnover at the blueline and a mid-slot 5-Hole shot to tie the score at 2-2. Alliance changed goalies, and shut the door on the Hitmen. Thirty six seconds later, the Dogs scored even strength at the 10:25 mark of the third period, on a sweet pass by the center to the right wing at the blueline for a mid slot top shelf goal and a 3-2 Victory.

Once again, the Bulldogs' stellar 5-man defense limited their opponents to less than 10 shots, and out shot them 20-8. The victory brings the Alliance point total to 28 points through 17 games, and a NTXHL winning percentage lead, and point total trail of only 2 points behind the Aces, who have played 19 games. The Dogs have a 25-7-2 record overall including tournament play, and 13-2-2 in NTXHL league play with 5 games remaining before the playoffs.

Alliance's next game is Sunday January 29th vs the Texas Aces at the ITC 11:30 a.m. that will determine the NTXHL Squirt A League Leader.

Sunday, January 22, 2006 Alliance Takes Austin 2-1 Again…

Alliance – 2, Austin - 1: It's DEJA VU ALL OVER AGAIN. The Bulldogs played the Austin Roadrunners for the second time this weekend, and once again win by a 2-1 margin. The first period was a repeat of Saturday's game, as it ended 0-0. Austin got the first goal today and a 1-0 lead on an even strength tally at 8:49 in the second, on an open mid slot shot that slipped past the Alliance goalie. Just 4 minutes later, on a Bulldog power play, the left wing stole the puck in the neutral zone, and swerved in for a high mid slot shot over the Austin goalie's blocker and a 1-1 tie to end the second period.

Just as the third period started, the Dogs scored again on a nice cycle behind the Austin net and a left wing shot, rebound and poke-in by the center for the game-winning goal and a 2-1 lead. Just like Saturday, the shots were just about even, with the Dogs narrowly out-shooting the Roadrunners 20-19. In a departure from Saturday, the penalties were even at 3 a piece. The Bulldogs penalty kill was once again perfect, killing all 3 penalties, and the power play converted 1 of 3 opportunities.

The win in game 16 brings the Alliance Squirt A Bulldogs to FIRST PLACE in the NTXHL standings for points with 26, as well as winning percentage with 6 games remaining until the playoffs.

The next game is next Saturday against the Houston Hitmen at 3:15 in Baja Oklahoma (FRISCO) and on Sunday at the ITC vs the Texas Aces at 11:30 a.m.

Saturday, January 21, 2006 Bulldogs Drop Austin in Close League Tilt…

Alliance – 2, Austin - 1: The last time the Bulldogs squared off against the Austin Roadrunners, it was a close 2-1 game with Austin coming out on top. This time, Alliance turned the tables in another tight NTXHL contest between these two teams at Valley Ranch on Saturday morning. After a scoreless first period, the Bulldogs opened up the scoring with an even strength goal to make it 1-0 at the 7:57 mark of the 2nd frame. The Roadrunners responded just over 3 minutes later on a nice shot from the right wing that beat the goalie blocker side top shelf to tie it up at 1-1 with 4:36 remaining in the 2nd period.

Headed into the final period tied, the two teams battled for almost a full period of play until the Bulldogs struck paydirt again on a shot from the point traveling through a screen provided by a couple of Bulldogs in front of the Austin goalie to make it 2-1 with only 4:47 left in the game. That would stand up as the game winner in a very close game, as the shots were even at 15 apiece. These two teams face off again for the 3rd time on Sunday morning in Euless.

Monday, January 16, 2006 Squirt A Wins to go 3-1-0 in Winter Classic…

Alliance – 2, Aeros South - 0: The Bulldogs completed a good run in the Texas Star Winter Classic tournament with a nice shutout win over the Houston Aeros South Monday morning in Farmers Branch. Alliance got even strength goals in each of the first 2 periods of play and held the Aeros to only 11 shots on goal, while collecting 24 shots for themselves. The win made the Bulldogs 3-1-0 in the tournament and brings the Alliance overall season record to 22-7-2, as they prepare to get back into league action next weekend.

Sunday, January 15, 2006 Squirt A Falls in Winter Classic…

Colo. Springs - 2, Alliance – 1: The Dogs come up short in the crucial third game against the Colorado Springs Tigers and gain 1.5 points for a total of 10.5 for the tournament through 3 games, and either 2nd or 3rd place depending on the OKC Blazers game against the Houston Hitmen.

Alliance scored a 4 on 4 even strength goal in the first period at 2:03 on a breakaway to end the first period up 1-0. The Tigers scored an even strength breakaway at 11:05 in the second to tie it up at 1-1. Colorado struck again at 3:52 in the second on a "Shorty", when the Dogs won an offensive zone draw, but lost the puck to same Tiger that scored their other goal, giving them a 2-1 lead at the of 2 periods of play. The Dogs fought back in the scoreless third, but another late penalty at 2:41 killed the comeback effort.

Late Update: The Bulldogs next game is Monday in Farmers Branch at 8:15am against the Houston Aeros South. Alliance finished preliminary play in 3rd place.

Squirt A Wins 2nd Game in Winter Classic…

Alliance – 1, Phoenix - 0: The Bulldogs played a defensive game 2 in the Texas Star Winter Classic Tournament at Valley Ranch this morning, and beat the Phoenix Firebirds in a tight game as a result. Alliance obtains 4 total points by tying the first two scoreless periods, winning .5 points each, and 1 for the third period win, and 2 for the game win = 4 points. The Bulldogs' total of 9 points in the Tournament puts them in a tie for first place with the Oklahoma City Blazers.

The first Alliance goal was even strength on an offensive zone steal by the right winger and shot for the game's only goal at 6:06 in the third. The Bulldogs out-shot the Firebirds 28-18 in the game. They were battling in the 3rd for the important insurance goal and were on the offensive until a bench minor for too many men at 3:06 put the Dogs on the penalty kill for most of the remainder of the game.

Saturday, January 14, 2006 Squirt A Takes Game 1 in Winter Classic…

Alliance – 6, Hitmen - 1: The Bulldogs dominate Game 1 of the Texas Star Winter Classic Tournament in Euless this morning against the Houston Hitmen to obtain the maximum 5 points, by winning a point in each period and 2 for the win to hold first place after one game. The first Alliance goal was a power play goal at 3:26 in the first, with beautiful cycle passing by all three forwards behind the Houston net to stretch the defense, and 2 quick passes between the right and left wingers to the center in the low left slot for a one timer top shelf goal and a 1-0 lead.

Less than 2 minutes later, Alliance struck again with nice stick handling by the right wing and a glove side top shelf goal at 1:51 for a 2-0 lead at the end of the first period, earning a crucial point for winning the period. The Bulldogs successfully killed 3 penalties in the early and mid second period, and then struck again 4 seconds after killing the third penalty with an impossible shot by the center on the right boards goal line that found its way to the back of the net at 4:31 and a 3-0 lead. Alliance struck again quickly at the 4:02 mark, on a breakaway and a nice juke around the goalie for a tap-in goal and a 4-0 lead, and winning a second point at the end of the second period.

The shutout was ended at the 2:54 mark of the third, on great passing by all 3 Hitmen forwards and a mid-slot shot high blocker side. In danger of losing the third point, the Bulldogs came alive and scored 24 seconds later on a nice pass from a defenseman to a foward at the defensive zone blueline, who skated in and shot in the mid-slot high glove side for a 5-1 lead. The Bulldogs needed one more goal to win the period point, and quickly scored on a power play at 0:40 on an offensive zone draw win and wrap around by the Alliance center for a 6-1 lead and the crucial 3rd point. Add 2 more points for the win, and the Bulldogs earned a maximum 5 points and the early Tournament seat as the top seed.

Alliance killed 3 penalties (100%) and scored 2 Power Play Goals on each opportunity (100%). Each forward line scored and 5 different players had goals for the Bulldogs. The defense dominated the defensive zone by allowing only 8 Hitmen shots. A great team win by all 17 players.

The Bulldogs next game is Sunday January 15th, 12:30 p.m. at Valley Ranch against the Phoenix Firebirds.

Sunday, January 8, 2006 Squirt A Takes Resumes League Action with a Tie…

Alliance – 3, Aeros South - 3: After a month long layoff from game action, the Bulldogs were expected to come out rusty...but they came out on fire and scored on the first offensive rush in this NTXHL contest against the Houston Aeros South in Valley Ranch. Alliance aggressively cycled the puck behind the Aeros goalie, then the right wing faked a wrap around and passed across the crease to the center for a sweet one timer and a 1-0 lead at 12:08.

The same forward line scored on their first shift at 10:38 in the second period, on a right wing pass back to the point and a blazing shot that was deflected by the center for his second goal of the game and a 2-0 Alliance lead.

The long layoff showed in the Bulldogs conditioning from the mid point of the second period through the rest of the game, as they were last to the puck and tired from killing 5 penalties. The Aeros scored their first goal at 8:09 of the second the same way the Bulldogs scored their second, on a point shot and deflection to bring the score to 2-1.

The third period began with another quick, even strength goal from the Aeros at 10:56 to even the score at 2-2. The best penalty kill unit in NTXHL came to the rescue at 9:13, with a "SHORTY" goal on a dump-in to the Aeros zone that was chased down by a Bulldog and wrapped around for a game saving 3-2 lead. An Aeros penalty at 8:52 evened the manpower to 4 on 4, which turned sour for Alliance at 8:30 with the final goal by the Aeros for the 3-3 tie.

The Bulldogs killed 2 more penalties, including a 5 on 3 at 5:13 that lead to another shorthanded shot that was negated by the knocking of the goal off its post by the Aeros goalie. The fierce effort by Alliance the rest of the game did not result in a goal, but showed that this team will never give up and is tenacious in their defense, and relentless pursuit of the puck.

The tie earns the Bulldogs one more point, to maintain 3rd place in NTXHL standings with 22 points behind the league leading Aeros North and the Texas Aces. In order to fulfill their potential, this team will have to crank it up a notch and follow their coaches leadership to pass the league leaders.

The next game is the Texas Star Winter Classic Tournament during the Martin Luther King Holiday weekend on Saturday January 14, 11:15 a.m., against the Houston Hitmen at the Dr. Pepper Star Center in Euless.

Saturday, December 10, 2005 Squirt A Back in NTXHL Win Column…

Alliance – 5, DJHA ‘96 - 3: After winning 6 consecutive NTXHL games, the Bulldogs did not like the taste of kissing your sister in their last league tilt, so they came out in this one determined to get back on the winning side of the scoreboard. DJHA ’96 made them earn it, though, as the Bulldogs fought from behind 3 times before taking their first and only lead late in the game when it counted most.

The first period of play was a defensive battle, with back and forth play until the Penguins scored an even strength goal at 4:41 for a 1-0 lead on a 4 on 2 break, and nice pass from the left boards to the mid slot for the goal. The Bulldogs quickly evened the score at 3:31 on a defense man steal and pass to the right wing at the blue line for a top shelf goal to make it 1-1. The Penguins scored again to re-take a 2-1 lead at 1:15, with a crowd in front of the Alliance goalie who had no chance to see the shot. DJHA held the 2-1 lead entering the second period.

The second period was dominated by special teams play, as Alliance killed an early penalty, but failed to capitalize on 4 power plays. The Penguins were unable to find the net either, so the 2^nd period ended the same as the first, with DJHA still leading at 2-1.

The Bulldogs began the third period determined to score, which they did at 11:05 on a breakaway top corner shot to tie it back up at 2-2. At the end of a flurry of Alliance shots on goal, the Penguins dumped the puck the length of the ice at the Bulldogs Goalie who missed the puck as it slid into the net at 7:58 to give DJHA a 3-2 lead. Alliance immediately struck back with a left wing shot from the goal line, a rebound and one-timer by the center for a goal at 7:22 to re-tie it again at 3-3.

The Bulldogs took the lead for good at 4-3 on a Power Play tally at 4:01, with a right wing pass across to the left wing in the mid slot for a nice top shelf game winning goal. One more goal was added at 0:12 to make it 5-3, on an offensive draw on the left side that was won by the center, and passed to the right wing who did a 360 with the puck and slid it into the empty net.

The Bulldogs out-shot the Penguins 23-12 for the game, including 4-6 in the first, 8-3 in the second, and 11-3 in the third. Alliance killed 5 penalties and was 1 for 7 on the power play. In an exciting back and forth game, the Bulldogs came away with the victory for a 10-2-1 record in NTXHA play for 21 points and 19-6-1 overall including tournament play.

After the month long Christmas break, the next game will be Sunday January 8 at 7:30 a.m. in Valley Ranch against the Houston Aeros South.

Sunday, December 4, 2005 Squirt A Battle Catahoulas to a Tie…

Alliance – 2, Lafayette - 2: The Bulldogs came into the 3^rd and final game of the weekend with a six-game league winning streak, and were hoping to end the NTXHL trip to Houston with win number 7. The boys from Louisiana had other ideas, and became the first Bulldog opponent to come away with a point in the standings for the first time against Alliance in over 6 weeks.

Game Three was against the Lafayette Cajun Catahoulas with a first period dominated with 9 BULLDOG shots that resulted in a scoreless tie at the end of one. Alliance scored first for a 1-0 lead at 11:14 of the second, on a swift pass by the center off the draw to the left wing for a backhand top shelf goal. The game’s second goal at 7:35 of the second was by the Catahoulas to make it 1-1, as a result of a bad change that resulted in a 4 on 2 break with passes and a 5 hole goal. The Bulldogs scored again quickly at 6:26 on a point shot by the defense that was deflected by the center in the crease to the back of the net to put Alliance up 2-1 to end the second.

A Catahoula Breakaway at 9:14 of the third tied the score at 2-2, and neither team was able to force in the winning goal. The Bulldogs once again disposed of 5 penalties, including a 5 on 3 with 2:12 in the game to preserve the tie.

With a possible 6 NTXHL points at stake, the Alliance Squirt A Bulldogs finished the week end with 5 points against 3 tenacious hockey teams. The team defense and goaltending only surrendered a total of 5 goals in 3 games. The 5 points brings the Bulldogs NTXHL Point total to 19 in twelve league games this season, with the Bulldogs in 2^nd place only 3 points behind the Aces, who also have 2 games in hand.

The next game is Saturday December 10th at 3:30 against DJHA ’96 in Plano.

Saturday, December 3, 2005 Squirt A Sweeps 2 in Houston NTXHL Action…

Alliance – 3, Houston Hitmen - 2: Game Two on Saturday was against the Houston Hitmen that began with the Bulldogs out-shooting the Hitmen 13-3 yet the first period ended tied at 0-0. The second period was dominated by Alliance with 2 goals. The first goal was on the opening draw breakaway, shot, rebound and top shelf goal at 12:51 to open the scoring at 1-0. The second goal was at 8:47 with 2 passes behind the net and a one timer in the low slot to make it 2-0 Alliance.

The Hitmen struck first in the third period, with a questionable goal on a poke check on a covered puck by the goalie that should have been a face off, making it a 1-goal game at 2-1 at 10:56. The next goal was a short handed goal by the Hitmen at 5:15 on a steal and wrap around to tie the score at 2-2 with only minutes left in the third. Alliance came back with the game winner at 3:33 with a juke around the goalie, rebound and shot by the center for the 3-2 final score. Once again, the Bulldogs were on the penalty kill for the majority of the game with 7 penalties, including a 5 on 3 that resulted in zero goals.

Bulldogs Trip Up Aeros South…

Alliance – 3, Aeros South - 1: NTXHL Game One in Houston on Saturday featured a rematch with the Thanksgiving Stars Select Fall Roundup Tournament Champion Houston Aeros South team. The game opened with a quick goal by the Aeros at 12:12 of the first with their first shot of the game to take an early 1-0 lead. That goal ignited the Bulldogs, who scored at 1:13 with a great play by the left wing who skated in and shot from the left low face off, then got his own rebound and lifted it into the back of the net to end the period at 1-1.

The second period was controlled by Alliance with a goal at 7:00 on a shot by the center at the left boards then a rebound and one timer by the right wing for the goal and a 2-1 lead. The Bulldogs scored again at 6:26 in the third in the same way as the second one, by a low left wing shot, rebound and one timer by right wing for the 3-1 WIN. The scoring featured goals by all 3 lines and the successfully killing of 5 penalties.

Sunday, November 27, 2005 Bulldogs Fall in Semi-Finals of Fall Roundup...

Austin - 2, Alliance - 1: The Bulldogs out shot the Austin Roadrunners 15-3 in the first, 11-3 in the second, and 10-4 in the third for a 36-10 shot advantage...but only squeaked one goal past the Mini-Turco stellar net minder for the Roadrunners in this Semi-Final game of the Stars Select Fall Roundup on Sunday morning in Valley Ranch.

Alliance came in a three-way tie with the Houston Aeros South and the DJHA Minor '96 Penguins for first in their bracket, all with 2 wins and 1 loss. In the tie breaker, the Aeros were the number one seed, and Alliance was the second seed for the Semi-Final, and Saturday's 4-2 win by the Bulldogs over the Penguins eliminated DJHA '96 from the Semi-Final. In the other bracket, the Ice Jets '95 AAA team was the second seed, and the Roadrunners were the number one seed.

The game started well for Alliance, with a power play at 11:30 of the first period...but ended poorly in a short-handed goal by the Roadrunners at 9:40 in the first. A 5 on 3 Power Play at 6:48 produced a great number of shots for the Bulldogs, but no goals. The period ends with Alliance down 1-0.

The second period scoring was started and ended by Austin at 10:38, with a nice juke around the Bulldog defense along the goal line, and another one around the goalie for the goal and an Austin 2-0 lead at the end of two.

The third period of play was dominated by Alliance with many shots, and one hard working goal at 6:57 to make it 2-1. The play was started by a defenseman steal and mid slot shot, a rebound on the left goal line, and a shot by the Bulldog center over the right shoulder of the Austin goalie, which would be the lone goal of the game for Alliance. A Bulldog power play at 2:18 once again resulted in many shots, but all were stopped by the Austin puck magnet goalie.

Despite the loss, this was a great hockey game, played to its finest by two evenly matched teams. The Bulldogs played well throughout the Tournament, and look forward to next Saturday's "Payback Time" NTXHL league 3 game series at the Sugarland Ice & Sports Center beginning on Saturday December 3rd at 12:30 p.m. vs the Aeros South, followed by a 4:45pm game against the Houston Hitmen, and then Sunday at 11:00 a.m. vs the Cajun Catahoulas.

Saturday, November 26, 2005 Bulldogs in Semi-Finals of Fall Roundup...

Alliance 4, DJHA Minor '96 - 2: The Bulldogs knew coming into the game they had to win by 2 or more to earn a Semi-Final berth of the Stars Select Fall Roundup, and made everyone wait until only 3:33 remained in the final frame before getting the 2-goal lead they needed. Alliance is waiting on other game results to determine their opponent in the Sunday Semi-Final game.

The Bulldogs fell behind twice, but came on strong, scoring the final 3 goals of the game to get their 2^nd win of the tournament. With 3 of their 4 goals coming on the man advantage, Alliance capitalized on their opportunities on the power play to defeat the DJHA ’96 Penguins.

The key goal came with only 39 ticks left on the clock at the end of the 2^nd period, when the Bulldogs scored their second power play goal to tie the game at 2-2 headed into the final frame. Alliance would then get the game winner, again on the power play, with 9:00 remaining. They would add an insurance goal with just over 3 minutes left for the 4-2 final score.

Friday, November 25, 2005 Squirt A Rebounds in Fall Roundup…

Alliance – 8, Jr. Scots - 0: The Bulldogs scored 3 goals in less than a minute in the middle of the first period, and then never looked back, rebounding from their opening tournament loss with a convincing shutout win over the Highland Park Jr. Scots in Game 2 of the Stars Select Fall Roundup on Friday in Valley Ranch.

Alliance added 3 more in the second, and then finished with 2 in the 3^rd, out-shooting the Scots in the process by a significant margin. All of the Bulldogs goals were at even strength, with the exception of a nice short-handed tally in the final frame. The Bulldogs come back on Saturday to face the DJHA ’96 Penguins.

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