Abbott Girduckis’s power play goal gave the Dukes a two-goal lead in the second period. It wouldn’t last.

Dukes look to rebound against North York on Friday

It was a bad way to lose a hockey game. The Wellington Dukes had been up 2-0 in a game in which all the battles were fought along the wall. They had won their share against a gritty, determined and hardworking Cobourg team. They had made the most of their opportunities—capitalizing on their power play chances to give them the two-goal lead. But they couldn’t finish. Or thought the game was over before the final buzzer had sounded.

Many will howl and cry about shootout goal that should have been disqualified as the shooter took two whacks at the puck (rebounds are allowed in shootouts). The referee missed the call. But the Dukes weren’t robbed on Friday night by a bad call. They gave the game away. Giftwrapped with a pretty bow.

The Cobourg Cougars never let up. Each period, they hit the ice skating hard. Working hard. Even when down, they appeared determined to do what was necessary to bring a win back to Cobourg.

As the game wore on, Cobourg battled harder along the boards. Worked harder deep in the zone. The Dukes, seemingly, looked to their linemates to make the play, clear the zone or finish his check.

In the third period Cobourg was spending more and more time in the Dukes’ zone. Skilled players like Connor Armour were getting more room to manoeuvre. Given time, Armour was sure to find the open man, the seam or the ideal screen. Midway through the third he did—setting up Cobourg’s first goal from Jake Emilio.

The Dukes were on their heels. They still had the lead. But the game was slipping away from them. Cobourg pounded shots on the Dukes’ net. Soon enough they had the equalizer.

Sadly, it was only when the game was tied that the Dukes found the extra energy that might have salvaged the win earlier in the game. Cody Gratton, Erick Delaurentis and Andrew McCann each had chances to re-establish the lead late in the game. But the effort came too late.

Gratton earned another chance in overtime, but came up emptyhanded.

The entire games seemed to be fought along the boards—each team working to grind down the other. The Dukes Luc Brown and Cobourg’s Mark MacAulay battle for the puck in the third period.

In the shootout, the controversial double tap by the Cobourg shooter turned out to be the winner. Three Dukes shooters failed to score. Delaurentis beat the netminder, but his shot rang off the goal post.

The game wasn’t lost in the shootout. The fact is, the game was forfeited in the third period. The Dukes failed to respond when Cobourg ramped up the intensity. When that happens, it becomes a Herculean task to turn it around. The Dukes weren’t able to do this on Friday night. They will need to learn how.

A last-minute, overtime or shootout win would have masked the lesson of Friday’s game. Better they have the week to think it over. There are very high expectations of the Dukes this season—each player must learn to dig deep and find the extra resources to change momentum in games like this. There will be more of them ahead.

TRETIAK’S BACK
Team Canada East featuring the Dukes Mike Soucier were soundly beaten 6-2 by Russia on Monday in the World Junior A Challenge in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. In net for the Russian squad was Maxim Tretiak—grandson to the Russian great Vladislav Tretiak.

Team Canada East faces the USA squad today.

SCHEDULE
Some Dukes fans are longing for the hectic schedule of September and early October. The Dukes thrived through this difficult part of the schedule, but appear to be having a more trying time in this somewhat relaxed point in the schedule, having won just one of a trio of games in the last three weeks.

Steven Deeg hunts for the loose puck in the second period on Friday.

The action picks up after this week’s game against North York. The following weekend the Dukes will face three games in four days.

NEW FORWARD
The Wellington Dukes have signed forward Chad Thibodeau recently released by the Sudbury Wolves. The Sault Ste. Marie native was drafted by his hometown Greyhounds and spent three years in the OHL with the Soo as well as the Sudbury Wolves.

The 6-foot 2-inch, 210-pound forward is expected to be a strong addition to the Dukes as the team prepares for a busy portion of its schedule starting later this month.

“Chad brings a wealth of experience to our lineup and is capable of playing both forward and defence. We like what he brings to our lineup” said GM and coach Marty Abrams.

In 92 regular-season games with the Wolves, Thibodeau had two goals and 11 assists for 13 points and 174 minutes in penalties.

BREAKFAST WITH THE DUKES
The first of two breakfasts with the Dukes will be held on this Sunday morning, November 10, from 9 to 11 a.m. in the banquet room of Wellington Legion.
A hearty breakfast of pancakes, maple syrup, bacon and sausage will be served by your favourite Dukes players.

The Legion was able hold the price to the same as last year: adults are just $7.95, children (12 and under) $5.95 and a family package for two adults and two kids at just $25.00. Tickets for this fun event will be on sale at the branch during regular open hours as well as the arena on Friday night.

UP NEXT: NORTH YORK RANGERS

By David Brown

The North York Rangers play in the South Division of the Ontario Junior Hockey League and last played in Wellington nearly two years ago. On January 27, 2012 the two teams met with the Dukes coming out on top 4 – 2. First star that night was Dukes Anthony Taylor with a goal and an assist. He turned pro the next season, playing in France.

The Rangers are coming off a regular season franchise high 74 points last season and a long playoff run before being eliminated in six games in the league semi-finals by the even tual champions, the St. Michael’s Buzzers. Unfortunately their great season has not translated into an increase in fans, as they are currently last in league attendance while hovering around the .500 record so far. They have an older team with many skilled players including forward # 15 Corey Kalk who joined Dukes Mike Soucier with Team Canada East in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia this week. Leading the Rangers in scoring is # 91 John Carpino while # 2 Patrick Piacentini leads their defencemen in points. Gianluca Baggetta and Jason Pucciarelli share net duties.