Tigers Form A Strong Third Period Lead Against The Pitbulls

By Xanthe Boursier-Gazzard

The Drive North Bristol Pitbulls headed to Telford last night to wrap up their preseason stint, facing the Tigers in the second game of their double-header. 

The first period served up end-to-end action, with both teams looking to break the deadlock. Finley Howells came close with a shot that went straight into the gloves of Ben Norton; however, it was the visiting Pitbulls who managed to open the scoring. John Dunbar took the puck around the back of the net before finding Jake Bricknell, who fired past Daniel McGowan to put Bristol ahead. The home side were quick to respond just two minutes later, with Ronny Paragallo skating past the right of Norton, sweeping a shot past the goal line to equalise.

A quick shot from Bricknell opened the second period, followed by Dunbar going back and forth with McGowan trying to find a way through the pads. As Harry Ferguson headed to the penalty box to sit a slashing call, the Pitbulls were handed their first powerplay opportunity of the evening. Despite having the man advantage, the Pitbulls were unable to create a clear chance, allowing the Tigers to kill the penalty. Following back-to-back breakaways, the Tigers were given a powerplay chance of their own, which Jeremy Michaud was able to capitalise from, taking a pass from Max Dukovac to gain the lead for the home side. The Pitbulls were determined to level the score with both teams scrambling for possession in front of McGowan. Bristol was able to find an equaliser during this, as Josh Shaw found space past the pads, bringing the scoreline to 2-2. As the Tigers led the rush down into their offensive zone, Norton headed for the puck, leaving the net open for Howells to get the touch and launch a shot to the empty net, leaving them with a scoreline of 3-2 as the second period came to an end.

Early in the third period, Tate Shudra was sent to the penalty box for holding, followed by Michaud handing the Pitbulls a five-on-three opportunity. However, with the tigers clearing the zone, the Pitbulls struggled to benefit from the two-man advantage despite a shot from Sean Morris that narrowly missed the goal. The Tigers were quick to extend their lead as Eric Henderson chased down an opportunity after being shorthanded, successfully finding the back of the net to make it 4-2. Scott McKenzie was denied by Norton minutes later, unable to lift the puck high enough to beat the visitors’ netminder. Despite this, McKenzie still profited from Jasper Foster’s hooking penalty going top shelf past Norton’s reach, making it a fifth. Another penalty for Bristol proved costly, with a goal this time coming from Ferguson and one from Deakan Fielder shortly after hitting the posts and bouncing off the edge to finalise the score at 7-2.