Game Recap – February 4, 2026

Matthew Ofukany started his third game in a row of the Bombers. Carsten Komorowski got his third start for the Ice Dogs in the Hangar this season. The Bombers came out of the gate strong, drawing a penalty less than a minute in and apply heavy pressure on the ensuing powerplay. As is customary in games between these teams, the physical play was evident from the get-go. Both teams were committed to finishing their checks in every zone. At 8:47, a blocked shot by Cohen Pilkington found its way onto Ryder Wolfe’s stick in the slot who made no mistake to give the Ice Dogs a 1-0 lead.

Ofukany and Komorowski traded great saves through the second period. The league’s most dangerous penalty kill struck again at 17:22 of the middle frame. Owen Cotter took advantage of a Nicholas McCallen blown tire and was in all alone on Komorowski. A little shake and bake move to freeze the goaltender and he was able to beat him on the blocker side low. It was Cotter’s second (and the Bombers’ tenth) shorthanded goal of the season. Quite the feat when you consider that the Bombers are the least penalized team in the SIJHL.  The Bombers bench was invigorated to keep up the momentum but finished the second period in a 1-1 tie.

The third period saw even more great goaltending at both ends of the ice. The Bombers were playing with purpose and came close to getting the go-ahead goal several times, especial on a late powerplay where they had three grade-A chances to put the game away but were bested by Komorowski twice and once by the crossbar. The game would need extra time as the clock ran down in regulation.

Overtime was a well played game of cat and mouse by both teams. But again they were each denied by the netminders every time. The shootout took four rounds to complete with Gursimar Mann successful in round one for the Bombers but Elias Eisenbarth and Jonah Ussher both found the back of the net to give the Dryden GM Ice Dogs the extra point.

Total shot on goal over 65 minutes were 43 for the Ice Dogs and 32 of the Bombers. The three stars were Carsten Komorowski with the 31 save win, Owen Cotter for his shorthanded heroics and Dylan Orr, who had a strong game on both sides of the puck.

The SIJHL All Star Weekend is up next. Seven Bombers will take part in the festivities. Matthew Ofukany, Kaden Veller, Owen Cotter, Brody Wood and Ty Love will suit up for Team Red. Michael Casey and Olan Norton will suit up for Team White.