The Bulldogs headed off to Walpole, MA for the first time this season. The Express was currently in second place only a point out of first place in the highly competitive North Division of the AJHL. The team was heading into a hostile environment with at team looking to move into first place.

The first period was full of hard hitting, fast paced and exciting hockey. The defense and goalies took center stage and the period ended 0-0. Then at 8-minute mark as a Walpole penalty was expiring Trey Milstead carried the puck over the offensive blue and dropped a pass to Nick Barbera, who ripped a slap shot between the right elbow and body of Travis Owens and the Bulldogs had the lead 1-0. The defense and goaltending continued to dominate this very competitive game and still to close to relax for a second. Then at 2.5 minutes into the 3rd period, Tucker Mullin got a break out pass and took off up the left wing. He turned the defenseman and laid a pass across the zone to a streaking Nick Bartbera, who one timed a bullet into the upper corner and a 2-0 lead for the Bulldogs. The team then clamped down and did not allow Walpole a scoring opportunity for the remainder of the game. Holding the Express to 7 shots in the third period and getting Derek Kump his 2nd shutout of the season, he had 25 saves in the win. Travis Owens had 20 saves in the losing effort for the Express.

Then a much deserved day off for the team. Then on Sunday, the team headed to Portland, Sacco, ME, for a rematch of an early season match up at HMG arena. Remember when the Bulldogs scored 3 third period goals to beat the Pirates in September; revenge was on the Pirates minds.

The Bulldogs started our with a power play goal at the 5.5 minute point of the first period. Nick Barbera scored off a rebound of an Andrew Malaney shot from the point. Trey Milstead also got an assist on the goal. The period ended 1-0 Bulldogs and things looked good for the team. However no one told the Pirates and at 3-minute mark Portland tied the game. Then at 14.5 point of the period Portland took its first lead of the game with a short-handed goal, 2-1. In this penalty filled game the team had to battle and hold off 11 penalties but Portland could not get another goal as team defense and Derek Kump (27 saves) held the fort.

Half way through the third period Ryan Smith took a pass from fellow point man Trey Milstead and fired a hard low shot toward the net, on it way it hit a defenseman’s stick and deflected right under the cross bar to tie the game at 2. This was the Bulldogs second power play goal of the 4th power play opportunities of the game. The team rallied around each other and started to carry the play determined to win this game. Elijah Cohen took the puck to the net and his shot set off a mad scramble for the puck. The puck came out of the pile to Ryan Smith who spotted Cody Gut off the left post and passed to Cody who buried it for a 3-2 Bulldogs lead. A hard fought game with a great outcome.

After the game the Kump family invited the team to their house in Falmouth, ME for a team Thanksgiving feast. Thank you Kump family for a wonderful dinner. The boy’s then headed off for their homes for a few days of R&R. They don’t get to long as the team will be playing in the AJHL Thanksgiving Showcase on Friday 28th, Saturday 29th and Sunday30th. To everyone from the Bulldogs family, we wish and hope you all have a happy and enjoyable Thanksgiving Holiday.