Butler went 1-1 this weekend after falling to IPFW 7-4 in the first game but came back the next day and defeated them by a final score of 8-5 riding a 49 save effort from Ryan Dyball.
In game one, Butler came out fast with Hunter Byram knocking in a rebound six minutes in to give the Dawgs the early lead. IPFW fired back with three quick goals to take a 3-1 lead into the first intermission. Byram scored again off a rebound early in the second period but again it was quickly answered by a goal by IPFW. Captain Noah Brayton knocked in another rebound on a power play goal to bring the score to 4-3 Mastodons at the second intermission. Butler came out flat in the third, promptly giving up a goal less than 10 seconds into the period. IPFW scored another goal to push the score to 6-3. Brady Murphy made things interesting with a goal but a Mastodon empty net goal sealed the 7-4 win.
In game two, Butler’s Ben Otto opened the scoring early but it was again answered by an IPFW goal. Ryan Barrett knocked in a power play goal but the lead was again short-lived with a Mastodon goal before the end of the period. Finally sick of giving up leads, the Dawgs came out flying in the second period. Butler dominated the period getting a goal from Noah Brayton and two from Jack Becker. Jack Unterseher added a goal late but got a celebration penalty which lead to a late IPFW goal with under 15 seconds left in the period. Butler went into the intermission up 6-3. The Mastodons clawed their way back into the game in the third period, firing shot after shot at Butler goaltender Ryan Dyball and getting two goals. The Dawgs fought hard to keep their lead and a pair of empty net goals from Ben Otto and Jesse Longtin sealed the 8-5 win.
The Dawgs record now sit at 7-4-1 and will play the Miami of Ohio Redhawks on the road next weekend with start times of 9:10 PM on Friday and a 5:00 PM Saturday game.
