Oct 22, 2025 | Mike Gardner | 187 views
Harrison's Heroics Help Lift Dragons Over Attack 3-1
DORCHESTER ON. OCTOBER 22, 2025. The Dorchester Dragons welcomed back the Thamesford Attack to the Flight Exec Centre for an exhibition rematch, looking to avenge their 5-2 pre-season loss from October 2nd. In a thrilling contest, the Dragons proved that home ice advantage is a powerful force, defeating the Attack 3-1.
The Dragons wasted no time in getting on the board, scoring just 1:35 into the game. It was a beautifully orchestrated play that showcased the team's chemistry and skill. Cameron Gardner moved the puck out of the Dragons' end and up to teammate Everett Elliott with a precise backhand pass. Elliott gained the offensive zone but was quickly double-teamed by a pinching Thamesford Attack defense. Undaunted, Elliott spotted Forward Harrison Austin streaking into position in front of the net and delivered the puck perfectly. The Thamesford goaltender had nearly no chance as Austin buried the puck, sending the arena into a frenzy.
The Dragons struck again just 70 seconds later, with Forward Xavier Papel scoring a highlight-reel goal. Off the ensuing faceoff, the puck ended up near the Dorchester blue line, where Papel was able to collect it. Many of the Thamesford Attack defenders underestimated Papel's speed, and as they overcommitted to a pinch, Papel seized the opportunity. He went in one-on-one against the last defender back for Thamesford, using his speed and agility to create space. Papel then unleashed a wrister that Thamesford goalie Jonah Melanson couldn't react to quickly enough.
The Dragons' defensive core, featuring Duarte, Evans, Lobb, Kusters, Mitchell, and Lampkin, made several key plays to limit the Attack's scoring chances in the first period. At intermission, Coach Mike Gardner emphasized the importance of clearing the puck and improving defensive zone play, areas the team has been working to improve.
The Dragons continued their momentum into the second period, with Benjamin Pink scoring another impressive goal. Just 1:44 into the frame, Pink picked up a loose puck in the neutral zone, which was the result of a missed Attack pass. He attacked the offensive zone with speed, leaving the Thamesford Attack players in his wake. As Pink went one-on-one with a Thamesford defender, he smartly moved to his right to gain space across the middle. The Thamesford goalie, moving sideways, perhaps thought there was nowhere for Pink to go, and dropped into a butterfly stance. But Pink was ready, unleashing a perfect bar-down snipe that sent a deafening clang through the arena before ricocheting into the back of the netting.
However, the Dragons' intensity wavered momentarily, allowing the Attack to capitalize on a lapse in attention. Harrison Austin was sent sprawling across the ice after receiving a vicious cross-check to the back in the Attack slot. The Dragons expected a penalty to be called, but instead, the Attack seized the opportunity to score and break the shutout, bringing the score to 3-1.
At the second intermission, Coach Gardner reminded the team to stay focused and avoid penalties. "Success is the best revenge," he told the team. "We hit them on the scoreboard, let's keep playing disciplined hockey."
In the third period, the Dragons buckled down, shutting down all scoring chances and securing a 3-1 victory. For his standout balanced performance, which included a goal, Harrison Austin was named Player of the Game. Ben Evans received the Hardest Worker award for his relentless backchecking and puck containment.
The Dragons look forward to their next matchup against the Thamesford Attack on November 1st, a regular-season game that promises to be just as intense.