Hamilton Bulldogs

Abbotsford, BC - The Hamilton Bulldogs defeated the Abbotsford Heat 3-2 at Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centre on Tuesday night. The 'Dogs now lead the North Division Final Series 2-1. Gabriel Dumont and Olivier Fortier each scored their first professional goals with Fortier's standing as the game-winner to lead the 'Dogs to victory.

The Heat opened the game's scoring at 5:48 of the first period with a power-play marker. John Lammers received the puck from Andy Delmore, who fired a shot on net that was stopped by Hamilton starting goaltender Cedrick Desjardins. The rebound bounced onto stick of Jon Rheault, who slapped the puck past the goaltender and into the net.

The Bulldogs tied the game 1-1 with a power-play goal at 11:53 of the first stanza. Brock Trotter dished a pass to Andre Benoit, who was positioned at the right point. Benoit hammered a slapshot that travelled through traffic before beating Abbotsford starting goaltender David Shantz on the blocker side.

Brett Sutter gave the Heat a 2-1 lead at 15:15 of the opening frame. Lammers blasted a shot from the right point that was stopped the Desjardins. Desjardins was unable to control the rebound, which Sutter grabbed and backhanded past the goaltender.

The 'Dogs earned their second power-play goal of the game at 16:49 of the second stanza. Mike Vernace sent the puck to Brock Trotter, who backhanded a pass to Gabriel Dumont. Dumont fired a shot from the left side of the net, which trickled through the pads of Shantz and across the goal line. Hamilton took its first lead of the game at 18:54. Andrew Conboy skated around an Abbotsford defender before sliding the puck to the front of the net. The puck bounced off Olivier Fortier before sliding past Shantz.  

The Bulldogs will stay in Abbotsford for Game 4 on Thursday, May 6^th at 10:00 p.m. EST. Fans can listen to every 'Dogs playoff game on the flagship station of the Hamilton Bulldogs Hockey Network, TALK 820. Fans can also listen or watch at www.hamiltonbulldogs.com by clicking on the 'AHL Live' or 'TALK 820' icons on the Bulldogs website.

Tickets future Bulldogs playoff games are available at the Copps Coliseum Box Office, any Ticketmaster Outlet, online at www.ticketmaster.ca or through charge-by-phone at 905-527-7666.  For more information on 'Dogs season tickets, flex packs, mini packs and group tickets call 905-529-8500 or visit www.hamiltonbulldogs.com.

Scoring Summary:

1st Period:
1. ABB - Jon Rheault - 6 (John Lammers, Andy Delmore) - 5:48 (PP)
2. HAM - Andre Benoit - 2 (Brock Trotter, David Desharnais) - 11:53 (PP)
3. ABB - Brett Sutter - 4 (John Lammers, Andy Delmore) - 15:15 (PP)

2nd Period:
4. HAM - Gabriel Dumont - 1 (Brock Trotter, Mike Vernace) - 16:49 (PP)
5. HAM - Olivier Fortier - 1 (Andrew Conboy, Ryan Russell) - 18:54

3rd Period:
No Scoring

Scoring:
Hamilton: 1-2-0-3
Abbotsford: 2-0-0--2

Shots:
Hamilton: 10-13-3--26
Abbotsford: 10-13-10--33

Goaltending:
Hamilton: Cedrick Desjardins (33 shots, 31 saves)
Abbotsford: David Shantz (26 shots, 23 saves)

Power Play:
Hamilton: 2-for-6
Abbotsford: 2-for-2

Attendance: 2,556

Three Stars:
1. ABB- John Lammers (2 assists, 3 shots)
2. HAM- Gabriel Dumont (1 goal, 2 shots)
3. ABB- Andy Delmore (2 assists, 2 shots)

Flamboro Downs Workhorse of the Game: Cedrick Desjardins