Gaels take down 'Dogs 15-10

The Green Gaels were able keep the wins coming through the first game of a home-and-home series with the Halton Hills Bulldogs this weekend. For the first time in Head Coach Jay Lee’s time with the Gaels, they were able to secure 2 points and a win playing against Halton. Many of the veteran players for the Gaels also beat Halton for the first time in their junior careers with the Gaels in last nights 15-10 victory in Georgetown.

You could not have asked for a better start to a tough weekend matchup than what the Gaels were able to do in this first period, wasting no time to get things rolling as Carsyn Kent started the flurry of Gaels goals just a minute and 14 seconds into the game. Just over a minute later, Colton McNutt would follow up with one of his own for an early 2-0 Gaels lead.

Robbie McGrayne, Cole Tucker, Ryan Proctor, and Aidyn Urbach would also find the back of the net during 5 on 5 play in the first period. Kaleb Tatarek, clearly still feeling the momentum from his four goal performance against Brampton on Thursday evening, put not just one but two powerplay goals past Bulldogs goaltender Carter Stephens in the first period.

Both offensively and defensively, the Gaels put on an amazing performance in this first period, making it one of, if not the best, period of play for them as a group thus far in the 2024 season. The offense was clearly able to put on a scoring clinic early in this one, and the defensive unit scooped up just about every loose ball and stopped everything Halton could throw at them. After one period, it was an 8-0 Gaels lead.

As they say, all good things must come to an end. Halton was quick to try to get things back under control in their home arena as Noah Kearney potted Halton’s first goal of the night just 16 seconds into the second frame. Halton would then follow it up with another goal just a few minutes later from Ben Wittich.

The Gaels were able to answer back as Kaleb Tatarek completed his hattrick less than halfway into the game, and Colton McNutt netted his second of the night. The Gaels regained their 8-goal lead, but it would not last long. Halton was able to score the next two goals as William Simmons and Jameson Steele knocked the lead down to 6 once again.

Halton would head to the powerplay for the first time in the night with Jacob Yoo heading to the box for an illegal cross-check. Aidyn Urbach was able to do the unexpected and score the Gaels a short-handed goal. Exactly a minute later, Halton’s Noah Kearney would score on the same powerplay to get his second of the night to end the period at 11-5.

Much like the second period, Halton came out quickly as they tried to stay in this game. William Simmons got things started in the third with an early goal. Cole Tucker answered back immediately to keep the Gaels up by six. Robbie McGrayne then scored his second of the night to boost the Gaels lead to seven.

Doing everything they could to bring this game back into their reach, Halton went on a 3 goal run. Ty Jesso scored a power play and 5 on 5 goal back to back, and Noah Kearney followed up with one of his own to bring this game within 4. However, the Gaels did not panic as Colton McNutt completed his hat trick, and Cole Tucker put in a power play goal to put this one to bed.

Halton’s Marek Lemme would score the game’s final goal with 26 seconds left. It would not matter, as the Gaels could fall back on the huge lead they established in the first and come out with the win.

The Green Gaels successfully take the first game of this home-and-home matchup on the road. Receiving a well-earned 2 points before heading back home to Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex on Sunday, May 18th at 2PM.

The Gaels will look to finish off the regular season series sweep, and Halton will look to even things up. If one thing is for sure, this is set to be an intense Sunday afternoon matchup between these fierce rivals.