Photo courtesy of Rob Raincock
The Blackfalds Bulldogs saw their inaugural season come to an end Wednesday night at the Eagle Builders Centre when they dropped a 2-1 decision to the Okotoks Oilers in regulation.
The Oilers took a 1-0 lead 7:35 into the first frame when Rieger Lorenz found Ty Yoder, who beat Lucas Massie for his second goal of the series. Massie ended up making 31 saves in the loss.
The Bulldogs tied the game at one 10:33 into the first stanza when Brett Meerman banked home a rebound past Jack McNaughton, who stopped 27 shots for the victory. McNaughton frustrated the Bulldogs for four straight games. The Calgary, AB product only allowed six goals on 109 shots, en route to the series sweep.
It looked like Wednesday’s contest between the Bulldogs and Oilers was destined for overtime, but the Oilers had other ideas. With just 4:28 left in regulation, Riley Bodnarchuk fired the eventual game-winner past Lucas Massie from the right wall. The Bulldogs poured on the pressure late, but it was just not enough to get an equalizer.
Blackfalds will now get set for its first official off-season in franchise history.