Dolphins limping, still swimming

   Season long rash of injuries wears on PJHL team

Saturday, January 20, 2018

 By Rob J. Ross

DORCHESTER - If the Dorchester Dolphins were a car, they would be the one held together by duct tape, Bondo body filler and wire hangers.

Due to the rash of injuries costing over 100 man games, the Provincial Junior Hockey League team has endured a season playing with a shortened bench or a number of midget call-ups in the line-up, while attempting to finish first in the Yeck Division for a third consecutive season.

 "I've been around a long time, but I've never had a year this like for injuries. It's one of those things. We get a couple guys back and then we lose two," Dolphins' head coach Tim Flynn said. "I can't remember the last time we had 18 regular guys. It's been one of those years."

Forwards Ryan Tuffin, Dylan Van Dusen, Adam Priamo, Brent House, Zach Robertson and defencemen Nick Whitworth and Colin Osler, have all spent time on the sidelines.

It seems the injury bug is contagious too. The Dolphins acquired forward Nolan Blewett just before the trade deadline earlier this month. Blewett played one game, before being put on the shelf. Blewett and Robertson are both questionable to return this season.

Even the goalies are not immune.

Ryan Murray had been filling in for starter Riley Brown, out since before Christmas, but was playing with a sore groin. His injury became too much during their recent game against the Port Stanley Sailors. That forced Kyle Lycett, a midget call-up, to step between the pipes.

It has out more pressure on the players who are healthy.

"It's tough. They have play a lot more. On back to back nights, it's really tough. They're playing tired," Flynn said. "We'll have to figure it out and hopefully we're healthy by the start of February."

The final regular season games for the Dolphins, are Friday, February 2, at Exeter and a day later hosting Thamesford.

Suspensions and a bout with the flu, also has ailed the Dolphins.

"We have to stay out of all the crap. We don't have a lot of bodies so we can't afford any more suspensions," said Flynn.

Of course, the Dolphins aren't likely receiving sympathy from their opposition. No team is feeling sorry for the back-back Yeck champions who have won three playoff titles in the past five years.

It is remarkable that late in this season, the Dolphins are even in the first place conversation. Although, the Lambeth Lancers look to be in line to finish atop the Yeck Division, with games in hand on both Exeter and Dorchester.

James Newland scored four times, his first career hat trick, leading the Dolphins over Port Stanley, 8-7, in a game played at Memorial arena, in St. Thomas, January 17.

"They were giving him space and time and he was taking advantage of it," Flynn said. "Some of those shots no goalie in this league is going to stop. They were rockets."

Newland leads all defencemen in the division, in goals with 18 and points, with 31.

"I don't think I ever had one (hat trick). This is one game to remember," Newland said. "It started off with me just shooting from anywhere. I got a couple lucky bounces and next thing you know I got myself into good position which led to open shots."

Newland is full aware of his team's injury situation, but makes no excuses.

"The guys in the line-up have to play together like they have been there all year. All of our AP's have to be like one of us," Newland said. "We have to get into playoff mode now. Everyone has to come to the rink 100 percent on it and communication is huge.  We have lines that mix and match, but we also have key lines that have been together since day one. Everybody is striving to do their best with who we have."

One line, Newland points out, is the team's number one trio, with Dylan Buckholtz, Brent House and Ryan Root. Buckholtz had two goals and three assist against Port, while Root had a goal and House, three assists.

Buckholtz leads the division with 30 goals and 36 assists, for 66 points. House sits third in scoring with (16G 30A) 46 points, while Root is eighth (13-25-38).

Defenceman Nick Whitworth had a goal and two assists against Port.

Newland missed two games due to a suspension.

"I wasn't too happy about my suspension," Newland said. "Last game was rough for me, but I think I found my way back tonight."

Forward Lucas Wilson, currently serving a 10 game banishment, will be eligible to return for the playoffs. Wilson had 15 goals and 22 assists in 21 games played.

Forward Michael Blue is no longer with the Dolphins, stepping away due to a heavy workload at university.

STAR STRUCK

For the first time, the North Middlesex Stars took the season series, three games to two, against Dorchester, following a 7-3 loss at Parkhill. The Stars had never won a regular season game before this year and only one during playoffs.

"I'm glad we're done with them. They have our number," Flynn admits. "We played well for two periods, but they took it to us in the third. The night before, we played with 13 guys and the game went to overtime (3-2 win over Port Stanley). We had nothing in the tank for (North Middlesex)."

The Dolphins host Mt. Brydges, a possible first round match-up, on Wednesday, January 24th.

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