Demonz Defeat Watertown 5-4 in Overtime
February 6, 2015 - Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL)
Dayton Demonz News Release
Dayton, Ohio--- In what felt like an overtime game in the NHL Playoffs, each team had chances to score, but Dayton got the last word. In the three-on-three session, Vanwynsberghe stole the puck near mid-ice and scored on a breakaway to give his team the 5-4 victory with just 26.9 seconds left in overtime.
For both clubs, it was evident that Thursday night's matchup at Hara Arena was the biggest game of the season thus far. Earlier in the day, Dayton activated Robert Vanwynsberghe who was reassigned to the team from Peoria of the Southern Professional Hockey League. For Watertown, Lucas LaBelle came back from suspension. Also, Forward Matt Wray, the team leader in penalty minutes, returned for the Wolves.
Dayton and Watertown came into the game separated by one point in the standings for first place. The first period was a feeling out process for both teams. Dayton had the shot, outshooting the Wolves 14-3, while Watertown had the edge in puck possession.
With just a couple of seconds left in the first period, Dayton won the face off deep inside of the Watertown zone, the puck was sent back to Brian Marks who was at the right point, and let go a wrist shot, though a screened Wolves goaltender, Josselin St. Pierre, and the puck went into the Wolves net with .5 seconds left on the clock, sending the Demonz into the first intermission with a 1-0 lead.
Watertown tied it 3:10 into the second on Chad Bennett's goal from close range, his 22nd of the year. Wray got the assist as the intensity began to pick up.
The Demonz appeared to score the go-ahead goal midway through the period, but officials claimed the goal was off its moorings before the puck crossed the red line. Dayton had a 27-8 advantage in shots to this point.
Seth Ronsberg scored soon after on a rebound into an uncovered net with about five minutes to play in the second, giving the Demonz a 2-1 lead. The goal was his 20th of the season.
The lead lasted 6:14 into the third. Phil Bronner carried the puck deep into the Demonz zone, fished the puck out of traffic, and slid it between the legs of Dayton's Dan McWhinney to tie it at 2-2.
Third period action heated up seconds later as Jared Hicks notched a go ahead tally for Dayton. However, this lead lasted less than 20 seconds. Watertown's Cody Dion put one past McWhinney for the equalizer. This intense contest entered the last 10 minutes tied.
Bronner scored his second of the evening to give the Wolves their first lead at 4-3. Third period action resembled a playoff atmosphere with several scrums and a five minute major for fighting sprinkled in for each team.
McWhinney made a highlight reel save on a penalty shot to keep the deficit at one. The goaltender was faked out, but saved the puck with his stick as the crowd erupted. This turned out to be a game-saver.
Fittingly, Ronsberg tied it with a slapshot over St. Pierre's left shoulder with a little over a minute to play in regulation. The best game of the year at Hara Arena went to overtime. As Vanwynsberghe's scored the game winner, making it final 5-4, the Demonz and Watertown are now tied with 80 points each for first place in the Federal Hockey League. This makes tomorrow's rematch that much more important with first place on the line.
Stars of the Game
Robert Vanwynsberghe (Dayton)
Seth Ronsberg (Dayton)
Matt Wray (Watertown)
Next Home Game: Friday, February 6 at Hara Arena vs. Watertown. Gametime is 7:35 p.m.
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Federal Prospects Hockey League Stories from February 6, 2015
- Ice Chips - FPHL
- Demonz Defeat Watertown in FHL Play this Eveing to Move into First Place - Dayton Demonz
- Demonz Win Showdown - Dayton Demonz
- Federal Hockey League Game Recaps - FPHL
- Demonz Defeat Watertown 5-4 in Overtime - Dayton Demonz
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