MacDougall's Hat Trick Sinks the Moose

Kyle Leslie enjoys post game celebration after scoring the game winner

Justin MacDougall - Ratz Cap Player of the Game

Blacks Harbour, NB - The sting of last year's exit from the FIHL playoffs has worn off and the Bonny River Ratz have rookie sensation Justin MacDougall to thank for it. MacDougall scored all three of his goals in the first period as the Ratz built up a 4-0 lead and coasted to a 6-2 victory over the visiting Milltown Moose. Kyle Leslie scored the winner and Shane Lee and Jim Buchanan each chipped a single for the Ratz. Ryan McGregor and Sean McSorley replied for the Moose. Warren Giesbrecht was very sharp and back-stopped the Ratz between the pipes while J.J. Hyslop suffered the loss.

Before the game, the Ratz held a ceremonial toast to fallen comrade Wayne Barrett who lost his battle with cancer in the summer of 2009. Wayne was a founding member of the team and his teammates have decided to keep his memory alive and keep him in their thoughts throughout the season. Wayne may be gone, but certainly is not forgotten.

After the game, Ratz captain Joe Stevens told MacDougall and fellow rookie and linemate Russell Buchanan to show up for Tuesday's game and to "bring their gear." Stevens also added, "I wouldn't want to have to shoot at Warren (Giesbrecht) all the time. He was solid but MacDougall stole the spotlight with that performance. I think Wayne would be proud of this one and would get a kick out of MacDougall lighting it up. The line of Jim Buchanan, MacDougall and Russell Buchanan certainly shone bright tonight but I might have to make some changes to get scoring from the BIG line."

This comment was apparently directed at Mark Taylor and Greg Justason who are on the BIG line with Stevens. A shaken and stirred Justason met with reporters after the game and offered,"Does it hurt to have Stevens call you out like that? Sure, it does, I'm only human and have feelings. Whose to say that it's not Taylor and I that need the help? I didn't Stevens' name on the scoresheet. Giving MacDougall his 88 jersey is a bullshit way of getting some publicity. We were all there; we know he didn't get squat. I'm getting used to this crap and just let it slide like duct tape off my back."