Exhibition Hockey: D8 Sled Dogs Maul Shysters 3-2 In OT Thriller

Late Heroics Propel Team Into Regular Season

SKY RINK, N.Y., April 22, 2006 – The preseason is typically a time to experiment and tinker. And that’s just what Sled Dogs Captain Alicia Walker has been doing. With limited ice time, however, Walker has had to do all of her tinkering off the ice and away from the game, not an easy task.

But based on the heart and grit displayed in the Dogs one and only exhibition game Saturday night, Walker has pushed all the right buttons. Each offensive line applied pressure and all defensive pairings stood their ground. And positioning and bench management, which often lead to “Captain’s Angst” on new teams, were both solid. It’s anticipated that Walker will continue to tweak the lines but the initial chemistry displayed by this pack of Dogs was impressive.
The Dogs and the Shysters traded early goals, each by questionable roster players – no word yet on whether there will be an official league investigation. When questioned about it after the game, Walker could only say, “Did you see that slap shot?” Dom Ardolino, the Sled Dogs crafty netminder, was terrific between the pipes making several top-notch saves and keeping the Dogs in the game. Goaltending just may be the Dogs strongest position.

The second Shyster goal, made in true ambulance-chasing fashion, set the stage for the drama to come. Without offering excuses, Ardolino hinted that he was slightly distracted on the second goal by one of his teammates practicing gymnastics while jumping over the boards. It was later determined to be Julie Kim, affectionately known to her team as L’il Bow Wow.

But with time running out and the Sled Dogs down 2-1, the puck squirted free at center ice and was picked up by Howard Krulewitz ahead of the defense. To ensure no easy goal was scored, Krulewitz was interfered with by both opposing defensemen giving the officials no choice but to call for a penalty shot. So with 3:22 to play, Krulewitz advanced the puck off the center ice face-off dot and initiated what has been called the most exciting play in sports. Kenyon goalie Mike O’Hara was faked out of his jockstrap by Krulewitz’s deke and the puck was easily deposited into the exposed net. It was hard to decipher through his never-ending smile after the game, but Krulewitz appeared to comment, “I only know one move and it happened to work.”

In overtime, played 4 on 4 at Chelsea Piers, the Sled Dogs fed off this momentum with Nick Caruso carrying the puck deep behind O’Hara with Krulewitz parked in front of the net. As Caruso fended off harassment on par with a frivolous lawsuit, he prepared to pass the puck in front to a well-positioned Krulewitz. As the Kenyon defense turned to key in on Krulewitz, space opened for Caruso to attempt a wrap-around shot, which O’Hara was lucky to get a skate on to prevent the winning goal. He wasn’t so lucky on the rebound, however, as Krulewitz buried the puck and the Shysters hopes. “Nick did all the hard work,” Krulewitz said, “I was just in the right place with my stick on the ice.”

Walker was quick to note that this was only an exhibition game, as well she should, but there was still something there, something this team can hang its hat on as it begins the regular season. “Let’s not get carried away,” Walker cautioned, “the game didn’t even count.”

You wouldn't be able to tell from the team's reaction to the winning overtime goal.