Dorchester, ON — Saturday, November 22ndThe Jake Marczenko Memorial Tournament delivered pure morning mayhem as the Hometown Dorchester Dragons and the Lambeth Lancers renewed their fierce LMLL rivalry—an old-school Dragons-versus-Knights clash straight out of the Middle Ages. With both squads fighting to stay alive in the round robin and battling for a coveted semifinal berth, everything about this matchup screamed must-win.
*Photo Caleb Mitchell's point shot is corralled by Austin then to Gardner who beats the Lancers Goalie*A Rough Start Sparks the Fire
Before fans could settle into their seats, the Lancers stunned the hometown crowd. Winning the opening draw, Lambeth crossed the blue line with purpose and ripped a right-wing rocket past Trent Pietarinen just 27 seconds in. Suddenly the Dragons were staring at a 1–0 deficit and a wake-up call.
And wake up they did.
Just over three minutes later, Mateo Duarte delivered a highlight-reel equalizer—an end-to-end rush that had the crowd roaring. With Xavier Papel and Rowan Kusters stretching the defense wide, Duarte sliced through the Lancers and buried the 1–1 goal.
Dorchester seized the momentum instantly. Off the ensuing faceoff, they gained the offensive zone, worked the puck high, and Alternate Captain Ben Pink—dropping back to play defense for the good of the team—launched a screened point shot that found its way home. Suddenly, the Dragons were up 2–1.
As the period closed, Cameron Gardner added another dagger, pushing the lead to 3–1 and sending Dorchester into intermission in full control.
Second-Period Surge
Whatever confidence the Lancers carried into the second evaporated quickly. Gardner struck again early, notching his second of the game to extend the lead to 4–1.
Lambeth, to their credit, refused to fold. They clawed one back on a sustained offensive-zone cycle, tightening the score to 4–2.
But the Dragons had an answer ready—instantly. Just 17 seconds later, Jacob Hutchison blasted in a reply, set up beautifully by Quinn Fournier, restoring the three-goal cushion at 5–2.
Hutchison soon headed to the box on a tripping call, but Dorchester’s penalty kill turned the tables completely. Mateo, Everett, Xavier, and Rowan produced more scoring chances shorthanded than the Lancers could muster with the advantage—a statement shift that electrified the bench.
Then came the moment that sealed it.
Caleb Mitchell kept a puck in at the blue line, sending a point shot wide. The lively boards kicked it straight to Harrison Austin who spotted Gardner, who corralled it, walked around the goalie, and buried it for his second consecutive hat trick—stretching the lead to 6–2 and sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Moments later, Everett Elliott iced the game with a coast-to-coast beauty, slicing through defenders and tucking home the 7–2 marker.
Closing the Gates
With a five-goal lead, the third period went to running time, and the Dragons turned to their grinders. Phoenix Stratton, Hudson Burroughs, Harrison Austin, and Dexter Hacche locked things down masterfully, suffocating any Lancers push.
Lambeth’s last true threat came late, as Pietarinen was knocked over and the puck rattled dangerously in the crease—but veteran Rowan Kusters swooped in heroically to clear the danger and preserve the scoreline.
As the final buzzer sounded, the Dragons mobbed Pietarinen, and in one of the morning’s most memorable scenes, broke into a Macarena dance party as the arena speakers blared the ’90s classic.
Post-Game Awards
Lancers’ Pick – Dragons Player of the Game:
Mateo Duarte – For his dazzling offensive performance and game-changing equalizer.
Dragons’ Coaching Staff Player of the Game:
Trent Pietarinen – Rock-solid between the pipes and sporting a remarkable 1.00 GAA through the tournament so far.
Hardest Worker Award:
Ben Pink – A +3 effort, a massive point-shot goal, and the selfless defensive play that helped steer the game.
What’s Next?
The Dragons roll into this afternoon’s matchup with sky-high confidence as they prepare to face the unbeaten Caledonia Thunder in a Round 3 clash that promises fireworks.
If today’s morning performance is any indication, the Dragons look ready to breathe fire once again.