Kincardine Bulldogs lose opening games in PJHL hockey action

The Kincardine Junior "C" Bulldogs are struggling as they dropped their home opener Friday night against Wingham, and lost to Mitchell, Sunday evening, also at the Davidson Centre in Kincardine.

Friday night, Wingham opened the scoring in the first period.

Early in the second, Brett Burrows worked the powerplay and scored for the 'Dogs, assisted by Payton Dunlop and Damien Demarco-Sutton. Minutes later, Jesse Carnahan made it a 2-1 game for the Bulldogs, from Tyler Sutter, but Wingham fired in another shot to end the period at two apiece.

Midway in the third, Wingham scored to make it a 3-2 game, before Brady Richards fired in a short-handed goal, unassisted, to tie the game at 3-3. However, Wingham scored on the powerplay, to edge the Bulldogs, 4-3.

Friday night, the Bulldogs remembered one of their cherished volunteers and a member of the executive, Bev Bryant, who died suddenly July 6 at his home. He held numerous executive positions with the hockey club and was a driving force behind the success of the team over the years. He was known in Kincardine and the surrounding area as one of the best and brightest hockey minds, and his outstanding contribution to the Bulldogs organization will never be forgotten.

To honour Bryant and his family, and to pay respect to the man, the Bulldogs will be wearing a black patch on their jerseys that simply says "Bev," for the 2017-18 season. Anyone who knew Bryant will know that his dedication and commitment to the team, and the enjoyment he brought to those around him, will never be replaced, only remembered.

Sunday evening, the Bulldogs took on the Mitchell Hawks at the Davidson Centre.

Kincardine opened the scoring early in the first on a goal by Joshua Traynor from Mike Fiegehen. Mitchell answered that goal, before Connor Gibson scored for the 'Dogs, unassisted, to take the lead again. However, Mitchell fired back on the powerplay and tied the game at 2-2.

Mitchell then shut down the Bulldogs offence, and managed two more powerplay goals, to take the 4-2 win.

Sunday evening, the Bulldogs welcomed Thomas Wheildon and Janet Hull of Fairmount Security. The company has provided the Bulldogs with security for their events for several years, and now provides security, bylaw and parking enforcement services for several municipalities in the Bruce-Grey region.

The Bulldogs have had a terrific relationship with Wheildon and his company, and are pleased to welcome Fairmount Security as a major sponsor of the team.

Kincardine's next home game is Friday at 7:55 p.m., against the Mount Forest Patriots, at the Davidson Centre. The Bulldogs then travel to Goderich Saturday night to take on the Flyers.

Follow the Bulldogs on their website at www.kincardinebulldogs.ca; or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/KincardineBulldogs.