Bulldogs Burned by Heat in Shootout

Published on December 22, 2013 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Hamilton Bulldogs News Release


HAMILTON, ONTARIO - The Hamilton Bulldogs took the West Division-leading Abbotsford Heat to a shootout, backed by a two-point performance by forward Joonas Nattinen, defenceman Joel Chouinard's first goal as a Bulldog and 39 saves from goaltender Dustin Tokarski, but the 'Dogs couldn't seal the deal in the shootout and fell 3-2 to the Heat on Sunday afternoon at Copps Coliseum.

After a scoreless first period, Nattinen opened the scoring with his fourth of the season at 4:35 of the second period, with assists from forward Stefan Fournier and defenceman Morgan Ellis.

Heat defenceman Dean Arsene tied the game 1-1 at 9:56 of the middle frame, assisted by forwards Corban Knight and Max Reinhart.

Hamilton regained the lead just over a minute later when Chouinard ripped a slap shot past Abbotsford goaltender Joni Ortio. Nattinen and forward Jordan Owens drew assists on the play.

The Heat tied the game 2-2 less than five minutes into the third period when forward Ben Hanowski pounced on a rebound and beat Tokarski. Forward Josh Jooris and defenceman Kane Lafranchise earned assists.

After a scoreless overtime period, Abbotsford outscored Hamilton 2-0 in the shootout off goals by forwards Markus Granlund and Corban Knight to drop the 'Dogs.

Tokarski made 39 saves on 41 shots in the Bulldogs net in the shootout loss. Ortio made 32 saves on 34 shots and stopped all three Hamilton shootout attempts for the Heat in the win.

The Bulldogs and the Heat both went 0-for-4 on the power play.

Scoring Summary:

1st Period:

No scoring

2nd Period:

1. HAM - Joonas Nattinen - 4 - (Stefan Fournier, Morgan Ellis) - 4:35

2. ABB - Dean Arsene - 1 - (Corban Knight, Max Reinhart) - 9:56

3. HAM - Joel Chouinard - 1 - (Joonas Nattinen, Jordan Owens) - 11:18

3rd Period:

4. ABB - Ben Hanowski - 10 - (Josh Jooris, Kane Lafranchise) - 4:47

Overtime:

No Scoring

Shootout:

HAM - Gabriel Dumont - NG

ABB - Chad Billins - NG

HAM - Sven Andrighetto - NG

ABB - Markus Granlund - G

HAM - Martin St. Pierre - NG

ABB - Corban Knight - G

HAM - Louis Leblanc - NG

Scoring:

Abbotsford: 0-1-1-0-1

Hamilton : 0-2-0-0-0

Shots:

Abbotsford : 13-11-13-4-1--42

Hamilton: 9-11-14-0-0--34

Goaltending:

Abbotsford : Joni Ortio (W - 34 shots, 32 saves)

Hamilton : Dustin Tokarski (SOL - 41 shots, 39 saves)

Power Play:

Abbotsford: 0-for-4

Hamilton: 0-for-4

Attendance: 4,281

Three Stars:

1. ABB - Markus Granlund (Shootout-winning goal)

2. HAM - Joonas Nattinen (One goal, one assist)

3. HAM - Joel Chouinard (One goal)

Dan Lawrie Insurance Premium Player of the Game: Gabriel Dumont

Hamilton's next game is scheduled for Thursday, December 26th, when they will visit the Toronto Marlies (AHL affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs) at Air Canada Centre at 1:00 p.m. The 'Dogs return to Copps Coliseum on Friday, December 27th when they will host the Marlies at 7:30 p.m.

Hamilton Bulldogs flex tickets and group tickets are on sale now. Starting as low as $99 for a 10-ticket Holiday Flex Pack until the end of December, we have great packages available for you to enjoy more Hockey Unleashed! For more information, call 1-866-DOGS-TIX or visit hamiltonbulldogs.com. Holiday Flex Packs are available for purchase at Mapleview Centre (900 Maple Avenue, Burlington), at the Bulldogs office (101 York Boulevard, Hamilton) at games or by calling 1-866-DOGS-TIX. Single-game tickets are available at the Copps Coliseum FirstOntario Box Office, online at www.ticketmaster.ca, or by calling 1-866-DOGS-TIX or 905-529-8500.

Listen to all Bulldogs regular season and post-season games live on Hamilton's AM 900 CHML, on www.900chml.com or watch live on www.ahllive.com.



American Hockey League Stories from December 22, 2013


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