
Desert Dogs WIN, 10-9, in Home Opener Over Ottawa
Published on December 20, 2025 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Las Vegas Desert Dogs News Release
LAS VEGAS - The Desert Dogs (1-1) took the victory over the (1-2) Ottawa Bears with a 10-9 victory at their Home Opener.
Desert Dogs took the lead early with a quick goal by Tony Macolm. The next goal came soon after by offensive powerhouse Mitch Jones assisted by Jon Donville. Chase Fraser scored his first goal as a Desert Dog assisted by Mitch Jones giving the Desert Dogs a 3-0 lead early in the first quarter. With 4 minutes to go in the first quarter Jon Donville snuck one in with another assist by Mitch Jones. Desert Dogs ended the 1st quarter with a commanding 4-0 lead.
The Desert Dogs continued to rock Lee's Family Forum as Fraser and Adam Poitras each found the back of the net, extending the lead to 6-0 with seven minutes remaining in the half. Ottawa finally broke through with four minutes left on a goal by Rob Hellyer, but the Dogs quickly answered. Donville scored moments later his second of the game to restore momentum and push the score to 7-1. Jones and Webster followed with two more goals, stretching the lead to 9-1. Ottawa added three late goals before halftime, cutting the deficit to 9-4.
Ottawa came out strong to open the second half, scoring three straight goals to cut the Desert Dogs' lead to 9-7 with five minutes left in the third quarter. The surge continued early in the fourth, as Ottawa struck quickly to make it 9-8, then tied the game moments later with a diving goal.
With the home opener hanging in the balance, the Desert Dogs responded at the perfect moment. With two minutes remaining, Mitch Jones buried the go-ahead goal to give the Dogs a 10-9 lead. The Desert Dogs locked things down defensively from there, holding on to secure the win at Lee's Family Forum.
LVDD POINT LEADERS
#16 Mitch Jones - 7 points (3G, 4A)
#3 Jonathan Donville - 5 points (2G, 3A)
#25 Chris Cloutier - 5 points (5A)
#8 Chase Fraser - 4 points (2G, 2A)
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