Root sprouts streak for Dolphins

   Forward scores game winner lifting Dorchester over Thamesford 4-3

     as the Dolphins win on back to back nights to start the PJHL season

Saturday September 15, 2018

By Rob J. Ross 

DORCHESTER -  Ryan Root has sprouted a winning streak very early in the season.

The Dorchester Dolphins' fourth year forward scored the decisive goal, in a 4-3 edging over the Thamesford Trojans, giving the Provincial Junior Hockey League (PJHL) club wins on back to back nights, on home ice to open the season.

Twenty four hours earlier, Dorchester defeated the Port Stanley Sailors, 3-2.

"Two wins in the standings looks good but there is lots of improvement to be had," Dolphins' head coach Mark Steele said. "But I'm happy with the two Ws and I'm happy with the way we're buying into the system. We have the base down now. We'll work from there."

Root scored the go ahead goal with under eight minutes remaining in the third period, after Thamesford rallied from a two goal deficit. The Dolphins jumped ahead 3-1 in the second period, with Nolan Blewett and Turner Balasin scoring within 1:21.

Trojans' Mackenzie Chalmers brought it back to a one goal game just 10 seconds later. Lucas Ojero tied the affair in the third period with the man advantage.

Thamesford had four power plays in the third period, including a five-on-three for 1:24.

"We have to reel some of that discipline back in," Steele said. "We went from last night playing a fast game (versus Port), to tonight where we didn't play as well as we did last night. We were a little bit off."

David Henshaw for Dorchester and Thamesford's Jake Ojero traded first period goals.

Dolphins' goalie Ryan Murray made 27 saves, as the Trojans out shot the home team 30-28.

Murray saw less rubber from Port Stanley, only facing 18 shots. At the other end though, the Dolphins blasted Ryan Langford with 53 shots, 28 coming in the first period.

Braidon Duncan, on the power play, Jovan Eterno and Dylan Buckholz, breaking a 2-2 tie midway through the third frame, scored for Dorchester.

Luke Colafranceschi and Austin Muscutt, replied for the Sailors.

"We're gelling as a team and we're working on the little things. We play a different style than some of them (players) are use too, so it'll take awhile to get to where we think we should be," Steele said. "We're a fast team. We're a very fast team, but we have to start working on our defensive side of the puck. There's no question we can score goals."

During preseason, the Dolphins scored 42 goals while going 5-0, including defeating the Ayr Centennials.

Blewett (nine goals, in three games) and Austin Bisschop led the team in scoring with 10 points each. Noah Small, an 18-year rookie forward from Dorchester, had four goals and three assists.

"We have a young team. Everyone is trying to jell right now, see what works, what doesn't. We squeaked out two wins," said veteran all-star defenceman James Newland, who assisted on the winning goal in each game. "It's the beginning of the season. Our legs aren't there yet. We're not moving our feet. A lot of slashing penalties. People still need to know where they're going, but it's early."

Newland added the rookies are "showing amazing greatness" and "all have amazing shots and speed."

The Dolphins have yet to name a captain, but Root, Buckholz, Newland and Nick Whitworth,  are each alternate captains.

"Being the new guy here and not knowing who the leaders are, we decided to start with four As and wait for someone to step up and take the reigns," said Steele. "We're trying to create a group where we're all one. We are one. That's our slogan for the year. We're all going to be leaders. You don't need a letter to be a leader."

Chris Masse and Jeff Morrison have joined Steele, as assistant coaches.

As for being the new head coach, following in the footsteps of those who have guided the Dolphins to the Yeck Division final every year of the club's existence.

"There's always a lot of pressure when you're coming to an organization that's done success," Steele said. "But it's still the game of hockey. Nothing really changes. When you come to the rink it's another good day."

This year's team features seven Dorchester natives, Root, Buckholz, Small, Henshaw, Bisschop, Alex Pettipiece, and Dylan Van Dusen. Ryan Poley hails from Thorndale and Reid lives in Springfield. Whitworth comes from nearby Ingersoll.