By Alexis Johnson
The University of Georgia Ice Dawgs defeated the University of Alabama-Huntsville Chargers 4-1 Friday night at the ICE in Cumming, Georgia.
For this game the Ice Dawgs partnered with Bulldogs Battling Breast Cancer (BBBC) for their annual “Pink in the Rink ” game. Through a special edition jersey auction and “price per goal” pledging by fans the Ice Dawgs were able to raise over six thousand dollars for BBBC.
Before game action commenced, the Ice Dawgs welcomed breast cancer survivor Lynn Miller for the ceremonial puck drop.
The Dawgs were dominant from the start of the first, getting pucks in deep, creating multiple goal opportunities and allowing very little O-Zone presence for the Chargers.
Assistant captain Sam Adler tipped in defenseman Lleyton Poole’s shot from the point to open the scoring for the night.
The lead was extended when sophomore defenseman Truman Haugen picked up his own rebound and scored from the slot. Haugen’s second goal of the season was assisted by Declan Conway and Sam Adler.
“The UAH goaltender played a great game, and he kept it scoreless for a long time,” said Adler. “It felt great to finally break the scoreless deadlock and snag an assist to put the game out of reach for Huntsville.”
Momentum slowed in the second period, but the Ice Dawgs maintained their physicality.
Sophomore Tyler Stewart consistently laid on the body on the Chargers, landing hit after hit.
The score remained 2-0 for the Ice Dawgs as both teams were held without a goal in the second period.
However, the Dawgs came back strong in the third. A delayed penalty 12 minutes into the third allowed James Hedquist to find the back of the net, extending the lead to three. Declan Conway, picked up his second assist of the game on the goal.
The Chargers retaliated with a minute left in the game, bringing the game within two, but the Ice Dawgs responded quickly.
With only 13 seconds left on the clock, David Eberly tapped in his first of the night with an assist from Josh Mesaros, effectively sealing the Ice Dawgs win.
“I think we needed to respond,” Eberly said about his last minute goal. “It’s hard giving up a goal especially when a shutout is on the line, but it felt even better knowing we were able to raise more money for Bulldogs Battling Breast Cancer.”
With another win under their belt, the Ice Dawgs (8-2-1) traveled to Duluth on Sunday to take on the Yellow Jackets (3-6-1) at Gas South Arena before the Atlanta Gladiator’s game.
