Bulldogs Edge Out Pontiacs in Thrilling Shootout Win

Bonnyville took the lead into the first intermission, following an opening tally from Nicolas Beaudoin, for his fifth of the season, which made it 1-0. The Bulldogs responded in the second period, however, with three-straight goals. First, Keanu Krenn tied the game with his second goal of the season (4:27), followed up by tallies from Tyler Wallace (1G, 1A) and Connor Dick (1G, 1A) to make it 3-1 Blackfalds.

The lead didn’t last long for the Bulldogs, as the Pontiacs battled their way back into the game with goals late in the frame from Ethan Look (18:38) and Chayce Schmidt (19:46) to tie the game 3-3 heading into the third period.

In the final frame, Brent Hoshowski lit the lamp to give Bonnyville the lead, but the Bulldogs continued to press in response, forcing a Pontiacs slashing penalty late in the game. Just 0:10 seconds into the ensuing power-play, Layne Loomer converted to tie the contest once again, eventually, forcing extra time to decide a winner.

Overtime was exciting, with chances at both ends, highlighted by an (almost) highlight reel rush by Pontiacs forward, Matteo Giampa, to try and end the game late. (He was denied by former Pontiac goaltender, now Bulldog, Matthew Hennessey in net.) A shootout would be required, where Bulldogs’ captain, Brett Meerman, capitalized on his attempt, and Hennessey shut the door to pick up the 5-4 decision.