2003-04 Bantam B - Preseason Game 2 Details vs. Berkeley

Cougars come up short vs Berkeley losing 7-5!

September 14, 2003 - The Bantam B Cougars came up short against the Berkeley Bulldogs in a 7-5 loss. Playing on Berkeley ice, the Cougars started the game much like the Stockton game…by scoring first on a beautiful goal from Nathan Ellison #11 to Brett DeLorenzi #27. The celebration was short lived as the Bulldogs came right back with a goal of their own. With good back checking and hard work in front of the Bulldogs net, the Cougars were able to score the next goal. Unfortunately, the Cougars ran into penalty trouble, and at one point the Bulldogs had a 5-on-3, but with some great penalty killing, the Cougars were able to escape damage….for a short time that is. The Bulldogs took advantage of the Cougars next visit to the penalty box, with their second goal of the game.

The Bulldogs offense kept pounding away at Cougar's goalie, Chris Meyer #30, who came up with several good saves, especially against the Bulldog breakaways. The Bulldogs took the lead (3-2), only to have the Cougars come back with a goal from Josh Bautista #14. Several bad bounces and poor clearing attempts by the Cougars, netted the Bulldogs their 4th goal, but not without some outstanding penalty killing efforts by Dennis van de Goor #16 and Chase Johnson #4. Once again, Cougar penalties netted the Bulldogs two more goals. The Cougars were able to get goals from Kevin Heyl #1 and Zefan Hurley #81, who also prevented a goal, to come within one. Coach Foley pulled the goalie in hopes of tying the game, but the Bulldogs scored the game clincher with 22 seconds left.

For those who watched the game, it was both exciting and frustrating. I must commend the Cougars for never giving up and just remember there's always the next time! Moving forward, we have a game coming up against the Fresno Falcons…..Go Cougars!!!!