Kincardine Bulldogs take Western Junior "C" championship

The Kincardine Nicol Insurance Bulldogs staved off elimination against Walkerton, by a score of 2-0, Saturday night, and went on to defeat the Hawks, 5-4, in overtime, Sunday afternoon, to take the Western Junior "C" championship.

Down 3-2 in the series, it was do-or-die for the 'Dogs Saturday night in front of a packed crowd at the Davidson Centre.

It was mostly a battle between Kincardine goalie Jacob Hutchings, and Walkerton goalie Nick Redman, as both sides were down players through numerous penalties.

Following a scoreless first period, Tyler Fregona opened the scoring for the Bulldogs, on a powerplay effort from Shawn Moore. Kincardine stifled the Hawks' powerplay, and did not give up a single goal while down a man.

In the final seconds of the game, Walkerton pulled its goalie for the extra attacker, and Keegan Angel fired in an empty-netter from Matthew Mah, to give the 'Dogs a 2-0 win, and tie the series, 3-3.

The Bulldogs travelled to Walkerton Sunday afternoon for Game 7, again in front of a capacity crowd, and overcame a three-goal deficit to win the game and the championship.

Kincardine fell behind, 3-0, but managed to tie things at 4-4 on a goal by Eric Langridge late in the third period. Also scoring for the 'Dogs were Shawn Moore with a goal and an assist; Keegan Angel and Derrick Bernath with a goal each, and Tyler Fregona with one assist, and Gerrit Satosek with two.

Dalton Hnatko then scored 12:57 into overtime to give the Bulldogs the 5-4 win and the title.

Kincardine now advances to play Alliston, with Game 1, Thursday, March 24, at 8:30 p.m. at the Davidson Centre, Kincardine. Game 2 runs Saturday, March 26, in Alliston, with Game 3 back in Kincardine at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 27.

Game 4 runs Wednesday, March 30, in Alliston, and Game 5, is Friday, April 1, at 8:30 p.m., in Kincardine. If necessary, Game 6 runs Saturday, April 2, in Alliston, and Game 7, is in Kincardine, Sunday, April 3, at 4 p.m.