Dawson Creek draws first blood

Final Score:  FSJ 2 , DC 3

Dawson Creek lead series 1-0

Despite the best efforts of Ty Gullickson in the Huskies’ net, the Fort St John Huskies dropped the opening game of their best of 5 opening round series with the Dawson Creek Junior Canucks tonight in Dawson Creek.

The first period was controlled by Dawson Creek but a strong penalty kill from the Pups, and a timely power play marker from Cole Calliou late in the period, saw the Huskies head to the dressing room up a goal. The second period of play was more even as the Huskies were able to get more of the puck and spent increasing time in the attacking zone. Their strong second period was rewarded when Kole Norris was awarded a penalty shot after being hauled down on a break away. Norris slotted the puck home along the ice after a nice deke and the Pups went to the locker room after 40 minutes of play up 2.

Cody Hildebrand did not return for the third period and Aaron Dendys’ ice time was limited as the Huskies were forced to battle through adveristy once again. It got worse as Jesse Disher was thrown out of the game for a hit from behind. It was a questionable call to say the least. The short benched Huskies were forced to play most of the third in their own zone and under immense pressure as the Junior Canucks pressed looking for goals. They got them thanks to Colter MacLean. The Canuck D man scored twice to tie the game and despite a late power play the Huskies were unable to find a game winner.

After a short break the teams resumed battle in overtime with both teams trading chances. Once again it was Ty Gullickson, who stopped 68 of the 71 shots he saw in a player of the game performance, who was keeping Dawson Creek at bay. The Huskies squandered a power play in over time and it was special teams that ultimately made the difference. The Junior Canucks killed all but one of the Huskies man advantages in the game and finally took advantage of their numerous power plays. Cory Langdon took two penalties in OT and it was the second that cost the Pups. Riley Muise found space on the power play and wired a slap shot past Gullickson. The Junior Canucks spilled off their bench in celebration as the OT winner put them up one game to none in the best of 5 first round series.

Game 2 goes Friday night at the NPA in Fort St John at 8pm.