Yeck leaders have only six losses this season but four to North Middlesex
Monday, January 7, 2019
By Rob J. Ross
ST. THOMAS - It could be the Dorchester Dolphins are seeing stars in their dreams, which really are nightmares.
Following a 6-4 loss at Parkhill on January 6th, Dorchester has dropped seven consecutive games to the North Middlesex Stars dating back to last season.
Four of Dorchester's six losses this season have been to the Stars, outscored 21-11 in those games. The most current defeat snapped the Provincial Junior Hockey League Yeck Division leaders' win streak at eight games.
The Dolphins' last victory against the Stars was October 7, 2017, a 4-3 decision in overtime.
"They have our number this year," admits Dolphins' GM Bruce Schruder, adding he has never had an opponent hand his club the majority of their losses in one season.
Dorchester leads the Yeck with a 26-6-0-0 record, five points ahead of the Exeter Hawks.
"We have to capitalize on our chances versus a team like North Mid. Six breakaways and zero goals," said Schruder. "The boys battle back though. Never gave up."
The Dolphins trailed 2-1 after one period and 6-3 after Dorchester native Sebastien Nogueira struck while short-handed early third period.
Out shot 36-25 after 40 minutes, the Dolphins pounded the Stars' net with 25 pucks in the third stanza, while surrendering just six on their goalie, Matt Waller.
Braidon Duncan, Ryan Poley, Nick Schildroth and Nolan Blewett with his team leading 26th goal scored for the Dolphins.
Griffin Sinden picked up three assists.
Sam Baker with two goals, Mike Rowe, Jacob Knapman and Josh Moorhouse, completed the Stars' scoring.
The win propels North Middlesex over both Lambeth and Thamesford into third place.
Dorchester and North Middlesex meet one final time this regular season, on January 20th, in Parkhill.
The Dolphins have eight games remaining including three against second place Exeter. The Dolphins visit Exeter this Sunday, before hosting the Hawks, Thursday, January 17th.
Dorchester's win streak reached eight games downing the Lucan Irish, 8-2, on home ice Friday, January 4th.
Blewett scored his 24th and 25th goals of the season, while Braidon Duncan had a goal and two assists.
Dorchester led 4-1 after one period and 5-2 following 40 minutes.
Noah Lambe, Austin Bisschop, David Henshaw, Noah Small and Ryan Poley, rounded out the Dolphins' goal scoring. Blewett's second goal was short-handed and the 21-year old now has a division best five shorties.
Dillon Saunders with his 24th goal and Ryan Marriage scored for Lucan.
The PJHL trade deadline is Thursday, January 10th. Schruder said there are still a couple of moves to make.
Dorchester traded defenceman Nick Whitworth to Exeter on January 4th. In 18 games, Whitworth had a goal and seven assists.