Written by: Maddie Jackson

The Ice Dawgs started off their season with an impressive 7-1victory over the Auburn Tigers! The momentum swung in UGA’s favor when Forward #7 Stephen Bray buried his first goal of the night, five minutes into the game. From there, the Ice Dawgs were in total command of the game. #8 Dixon Babb and Stephen Bray’s goals allowed the Ice Dawgs to jump to a 3-0 lead after the first period.

Tension started to rise as the second period went on with six penalties between the two teams, including two matching penalties for roughing. However the Ice Dawgs stood their ground and only allowed the lone goal for the Tigers at the end of a 5-3 man advantage. Forward Mike Pearson added another tally for the Ice Dawgs during the matching penalties with help from # 19 John Wutschel and #20 Alex Carey. #78 Eric Mauge scored a short-handed goal in the final three minutes of the period to send the Ice Dawgs into the locker room with a 5-1 lead.

The third period was full of whistles, both for goals and penalties. The Ice Dawgs and Tigers collectively sent ten players into the box throughout the period. Although no matching penalties were called, hostility continued to build to the final buzzer. Christopher Santa Maria, with an assist from Alex Carey, put the Dawgs up by 5 with a power play goal half way into the period. Eric Mauge earned his First Star title with the Dawgs final goal with 1:40 left.

The Ice Dawgs kicked off their season with a bang! Great effort on both offense and defense allowed the Dawgs to maintain possession and out-shoot the Tigers 50-27. The team hopes to keep the momentum on the good guys side as they faceoff against rival Florida this Friday on home ice at 7:30 P.M.