2003-04 Bantam B - Regular Season Game 10 Details vs. Berkeley

1/31/04 - Cougars defeat the Berkeley Bulldogs 9-4

Period 1
In the first meeting of the regular season, the Cougars were off to a horrible start against the Berkeley Bulldogs. The Cougars took two early penalties to give the Bulldogs several 5-on-3 opportunities. The Bulldogs were able to convert on one of these penalties to take the early lead. #81 Zefan Hurley got the Cougars on the board with an end-to-end shorthanded goal. Unfortunately, the Bulldogs countered with a power-play goal to regain the lead. The game was very physical from the start, with both teams exchanging the man-advantage. The Bulldogs scored another goal to take the 3-1 lead, due to some running around in the Cougars end. #30 Chris Meyers came up with some great saves to keep the Cougars within striking distance. #10 Alan Nguyen made the Bulldogs pay on the man-advantage to bring the Cougars within a goal. Period ended: 3-2, Bulldogs.

Period 2
The Cougars started the second period on the power-play, which #4 Chase Johnson converted into a goal, tying the game at three apiece. Once again, #30 Chris Meyers came up with some brilliant saves to keep the Cougar momentum alive. #10 Alan Nguyen scored his second goal of the game to give the Cougars the lead for the first time. The Bulldogs found themselves in penalty trouble, resulting in two quick power-play goals by the Cougars (#14 Josh Bautista &; #77 Rickey Niday). Period ended: 6-3, Cougars.

Period 3
The Cougars seemed to carry their scoring momentum on into the third period. #81 Zefan Hurley scored his second goal of the game. The Bulldogs seemed to lose some of their composure, which resulted in penalties. The Cougars made the Bulldogs pay with a power-play goal by #25 Alan Reese, assisted by #11 Nathan Ellison. The Bulldogs were able to score one more goal before once again finding themselves a man down. #10 Alan Nguyen scored his hat-trick goal to clinch the 9-4 victory. Then chaos broke out between several of the Cougar and Bulldogs players. There fists flying, gear everywhere, and the refs in the middle.

Summary:
The Cougars executed the power-play exceptionally well this game. The defense did an outstanding job, keeping shots off the goalie. #30 Chris Meyer did a great job in net. As for the brawl at the end of the game, mistakes were made. Let's remember not to let it carry over into the next meeting between these two teams. Beat them on the scoreboard!!!