Aylmer, ON — November 12, 2025 The Dorchester Dragons U13 hockey club hit the road Wednesday night to face the division-leading Aylmer Flames Red squad at the East Elgin Community Complex. While the Dragons ultimately fell 4–2, the game was another strong step forward for a group continuing to find consistency and confidence ahead of this weekend’s International Silver Stick Qualifier Tournament.
*Photo Dragons centre Jacob Hutchison backs off 4 Aylmer defenders in Wednesday's night gameStrong Start and Steady Defense
The opening period showcased some of the best all-around team hockey the Dragons have played this season. The top line of Hudson Burroughs, Jacob Hutchison, and Harrison Austin, supported by defensemen Callum Lampkin and Captain Caleb Mitchell, came out flying. The unit applied early offensive pressure while remaining sharp defensively. Lampkin was particularly strong in transition, breaking up two dangerous Aylmer rushes, while goaltender Trent Pietarinen made several key stops — including a highlight-reel save that kept the game scoreless through the first period.
Line 2 — Quinn Fournier, Rowan Kusters, and Dexter Hacche up front with Mateo Duarte and Ethan Lobb on the blue line — kept the tempo high. Kusters made one of the defensive plays of the night, using a perfectly timed poke check to thwart a Flames odd-man rush.
The Dragons penalty kill also held firm after Assistant Captain Ben Pink was assessed a boarding penalty late in the frame.
“We told the boys at intermission that we loved their compete level,” said Coach Gardner. “All we wanted to see in the second was more shots and more traffic in front.”
Offense Ignites in the Second
That message was heard loud and clear. Early in the second, Dexter Hacche parked himself in front of the Aylmer net, creating the perfect screen as Rowan Kusters unleashed a low shot that slipped through the goalie’s pads. The goal — Kusters’ third of the season — gave Dorchester a 1–0 lead and energized the visiting crowd.
The Flames, however, showed why they sit near the top of the standings. Midway through the period, Aylmer’s #13 found space in tight and tucked in the equalizer, sending the teams to the third period tied 1–1.
Dragons Battle to the End
Dorchester began the third on the penalty kill after a late tripping call against Xavier Papel, but that adversity only seemed to spark the team. Just as the penalty expired, Cameron Gardner picked off a clearing attempt and snapped home a low wrist shot to restore the Dragons’ lead at 2–1. Gardner, who now leads the team with 7 goals and 12 points, nearly added another moments later when his quick release rang off the post.
Fatigue eventually became a factor, and Aylmer took advantage in the final minutes. Two late goals — one off a missed backcheck and another on a quick transition play — turned the game around. The Flames added an empty-netter to seal a 4–2 win.
Despite the loss, the Dragons skated stride-for-stride with one of the league’s elite teams and showed the kind of depth, effort, and structure that bodes well for the Silver Stick tournament ahead.
Team Awards
Player of the Game — Cameron Gardner
Another strong performance from Dorchester’s offensive leader. Gardner added his seventh goal of the season and continues to set the tone with a team-best +7 rating.
Hardest Worker Award — Quinn Fournier
Fournier was relentless all night, winning battles along the boards and driving play through the neutral zone. His smart two-way play and consistent energy continue to make him a key part of the Dragons’ success. He is also near the top of the ratings with a +5.
Next up, the Dorchester Dragons shift their focus to the Silver Stick Qualifier, where they’ll look to carry Wednesday night’s grit and growing chemistry into tournament play.
“If we play with this kind of energy and discipline,” Coach Gardner added, “we’ll be a tough team for anyone to play against this weekend.”