Under 10s
Dundalk Bulls under 10s came face to face with Junior Belfast Giants on Sunday morning
in the first of a double header in Dundalk Ice Dome. Andrew Bohan-King won the first face off at the beginning, of what was to be a very exciting game. Andrew also scored the first goal, but Belfast were not giving up, coming back with a quick reply. Dundalk Bulls defence on both lines stood fast, with Ronan O’Hanlon-Coyne leading the defenders, showing his vast experience and doing his best not to allow the Giants to score, while he was there. Calvin Doherty worked well with Andrew and the hard work paid off for both, as Calvin added to the score sheet. Two newcomers John Cosgrave and Joe Murphy had the game of their lives as they passed to the forwards and stopped Belfast trying to get to the net. These guys are two to watch for the future. Jakub Culak put the puck in the net with the skill of a player twice his age. Dennis Muskulidi shone in the back, showing the same determination that his brother, Artem shows in goals for the Bulls. Artem and Mark Gaughran took turns in between pipes and both took off saves that even Adam Pepper, the senior Bulls goalie would find hard to take off. With Belfast shooting their hardest, these boys had their job cut out for them. Marcus Kinsella, the youngest member of Dundalk Bulls, even in his first year skating showed off some skill in defence, stopping the Hamil twins getting through. Marcus never gave up while on the ice. Although the Bulls lost this game, there wasn’t much in it and they will look forward to their next
encounter with their neighbours.
Scorers for Dundalk Bulls : Calvin Doherty (4), A. Bohan-King (2), Jakub Culak (1)
Man of the match : Andrew Bohan-King
Under 12s
Next on the ice was the under 12s, led by captain Jack McGailey. The Belfast under 12s were ready to make it 2 in a row, but the Bulls were not having any of it. Artem and Mark were back in nets ready to take on the mightly Giants. Man of the Match, Jamie Clarke answered the Giants first goal with a cracker. This wasn’t to be his last. David Sally took Jamies lead and scored again. Conor Sally worked so hard in front of the net and was unlucky not to put any past the Giants keepers. Shane Donnelly got on the score sheet with 11 minutes into the second period with a great goal that the goalie hadn’t a chance with.
Dundalk Bulls defence was lead by Jack McGailey who himself nearly scored twice. Daniel DeLoughry was utterly solid in defence, clearing everything that came his way. Martin and Sean McGrane both were not to be outdone, standing tall against the Giants. Calvin Doherty, Andrew Bohan-King and Jakub Culak were both asked to play up, although Jakub couldn’t take his place on the bench, unfortunatley. Both boys had a great game, even though it was their second of the day. Bulls took the honours in this game, as clear victors.
Scorers for Dundalk Bulls : Jamie Clarke (2), David Sally (2), Shane Donnelly (2)
Man of the match : Jamie Clarke
Thanks to Mark Pepper (IIHL referee) and Steven McEntee for helping out as officials
and Jim Pepper looking after the clock.
Thanks also to Coach Dooley and team mangers Paul Gaughran and Fiona McGailey.
Under 14s
Bulls under 14s faced off against the Junior Giants in Dundonald in the afternoon. Were they going to keep up the winning ways of the 12s that morning? Only time would tell… With only 8 skaters turning up for the Bulls bench, Coach Devine had his work cut out for him. The guys that showed up were going to have to play the game of their lives… And they did! Sean Coleman got his name on the scoresheet with a sweet goal, but it wasnt long before Jordan Donnelly and Conor MacGabhann followed suit. Ryan Donnelly was unlucky this game not to score, but this didnt stop him having a great game. Although the forwards were making a great game out of it, the Bulls defence held things together at the back. Again another great performance from a Bulls goalie – Christian McEvoy. However, the defencemen were incredible, keeping it all together. Old timers, Ciaran Sally, Rossa McGlynn, and two new guys, Glenn Shields and Cian Murphy – considering only 3 players could change at one time, these guys got a lot of ice time and took advantage of it.
Scorers for Dundalk Bulls : Sean Coleman (5), Conor MacGabhann (2), Jordan Donnelly (1)
Man of the match : Ryan Donnelly
Under 16s
The under 16s were hoping to make it a hat-trick of wins for Dundalk Bulls, however, a disallowed goal was not going to allow that to happen. This was a great run out for under 18s players from both teams before their trip to Mexico, in particular Jason McCrainor, Phil Catherwood (Guest player) and James Devine. It was a very close game, definately the closest of the day. Sean Coleman, Glenn Shields, Jordan and Ryan Donnelly were asked to play up and these guys rose to the challenge required from their coach. Future Team Ireland under 18 players Padraig Tuite, Conor Redmond and Matthew Meehan played a great game with Padraig and Matthew in defence and Conor scoring two crackers. Aine Morris also continues to improve with each time on the ice – Here is a bright prospect for ladies ice hockey in Ireland. Henry McCarthy had again another very solid performance in defence, another player who has come on in leaps and bounds. Jason and Phil worked very well together and it bodes well for Under 18s in Mexico – particularly with James Devine in nets. This guy has really stepped up to the mark this season and was the starting goalie for the Irish under 18s for their last few games. If he continues to improve the way he is, Adam Pepper may watch out! Final score : Draw 11-11.
Scorers for Dundalk Bulls : Jason McCrainor (3), Sean Coleman (4), Phil Catherwood (2), Conor Redmond (2),
Thanks to Coach Devine for stepping in to help out and also thanks to team manager Rosemarie Coleman.