Ilderton, Ontario — Saturday, January 10th, 8:10 p.m.The Dorchester Dragons delivered an energetic, determined performance Saturday night as they took on the Ilderton Jets Blue in a tightly contested youth hockey matchup in Ilderton. While the final score favored the Jets 3–0, the game was far closer than the scoreboard suggests and showcased just how much the Dragons continue to grow.
Photo: Fans watch on as Defenseman Ben Evans stops a Jets rush. Coming into the contest, the Jets were known as a disciplined group with strong overall team defense and a slight edge in the standings. On paper, however, the matchup was evenly balanced, with scoring depth spread across five or six players on both rosters. What followed was a fast, competitive game full of effort, structure, and flashes of brilliance from the Dragons.
First Period: Dragons Set the Tone
The opening period flew by with Dorchester spending significant time in the Jets’ end. The Dragons did an excellent job containing the puck and applying pressure, forcing the Jets to defend for long stretches. Defenseman Ben Evans stood out early, earning praise for holding the blue line and repeatedly turning back Jets clearing attempts.
Despite Dorchester’s zone time, Ilderton’s defense remained disciplined, steering shots to the outside and limiting high-quality chances. When shots did sneak through, the Jets goaltender was equal to the task. After 10 minutes of strong, structured hockey, the teams headed to the dressing rooms locked in a 0–0 tie.
Second Period: Missed Chances and Momentum Swings
The Dragons came out flying to start the second. Jacob Hutchison showed relentless hustle along the boards, drawing a penalty when a Jets player knocked him down in desperation. The ensuing power play nearly paid off. Many Dragons were able to generate strong scoring chances, only to be denied again by the Jets goalie.
The rest of the period saw end-to-end action as both teams traded chances. Coaches noted strong progress from wingers Hudson Burroughs and Harrison Austin, who did an excellent job covering for defensemen jumping into the play.
Ilderton eventually broke through with 3:28 left in the period, capitalizing on a momentary breakdown during a transition rush to take a 1–0 lead. Just 80 seconds later, another transition opportunity allowed the Jets to extend their advantage to 2–0.
The Dragons responded with composure. Ben Pink took a late penalty battling hard for the puck, but Dorchester’s penalty killers shut the door, keeping the game within reach heading into the third.
Third Period: Push to the Finish
Determined to respond, the Dragons generated several excellent opportunities in the final frame. Pink, eager to make amends, led a strong rush deep into the Jets zone, drawing defenders before threading a beautiful pass across to Hutchison alone in front. The timing was just off, and once again the Jets escaped danger.
The pace remained high, with chances at both ends, until a late penalty put Dorchester shorthanded. Thirty seconds after the penalty expired, the Jets struck once more on a transition rush, converting a rebound opportunity to make it 3–0.
Despite the late goal, the Dragons never let up, finishing the game with effort and pride.
Takeaways and Looking Ahead
Dorchester’s coaches were pleased with the team’s overall performance. The Dragons moved the puck well, showed patience in the offensive zone, and—when set defensively—did not allow a single goal against. Ultimately, three transition breakdowns and a handful of near-misses at the other end proved to be the difference in an otherwise very close contest.
With increased urgency around loose pucks and transitions, this Dragons team is poised to take another step forward.
Post-Game Awards
Player of the Game:Ben Evans
Evans delivered a standout performance, battling to keep pucks in at the offensive blue line and clearing danger in the defensive zone. He flirted with a goal of his own and finished the night with a strong even rating against tough competition.
Hardest Worker:Assistant Captain Quinn Fournier
Relentless and positive, Fournier set the tone both on the ice and on the bench. His effort and leadership were constant, and he worked tirelessly to challenge the Jets’ structured defense. Quinn also was a Dragon player with a 0 rating on a tough night where no Dragon had a positive rating.
The Dorchester Dragons won’t have long to wait to get back at it. They return to action Sunday evening, January 11th, when they travel to Lucan to take on the Irish—bringing with them confidence, lessons learned, and a hunger to keep climbing. 
