Bulldogs Win by Forfeit Over Long Beach

The Bellmore-Merrick Bulldogs showed up Monday night at Newbridge Ice Rink riding a two-game winning streak to face Long Beach High School.

With each win meaning so much to this team and its playoff aspirations, a gift like Monday night's is the icing on the cake.

Because of some confusion in scheduling, Long Beach was a no show and the Bulldogs get two needed points without even lacing up their skates.

"It's a forfeit win, it's two points," said assistant coach Lee Mattes.

The team has been playing well of late, led by senior Mike Mascaro, who transitioned from the forward position on the number one line to be the Bulldogs most solid defenseman.

"We lost three veteran defensemen last year. Mike made the transition and really controls the flow of the game," said head coach Chris Patten. 

All the leadership does not end there. Junior James Bobb leads the team not only by his actions but in most offensive categories. "James is just a good boy that loves the game," said Mattes. 

"He's the type of kid that loves to play," added Patten.

Bobb shows this every time he's on the ice. He has a nose for the net and that is something you just can't teach.

Of late, the key to the Bulldogs' success lies in their system. "The guys are buying into the team concept, teamwork," said Mattes.

Another good coach once said, "Nothing beats good passing, no one is as fast as a good pass." His name is Scott Gordon, coach of the New York Islanders. Passing has been a major key leading to many Bulldog scoring chances over the past several games.

The Bulldogs aren't your standard high school team. One obstacle they face is having to take boys from three different schools and getting them to gel together quickly.

"The hardest thing is uniting all three schools, Mepham, Calhoun and Bellmore JFK," said Mattes.

Mattes shouldn't be too worried. From the camaraderie displayed during the team's free ice time scrimmage because of the no show, the boys seem to be getting along like life-long friends.

The Bulldogs now look ahead with two games remaining on the year before the first round of the playoffs.

"The goal isn't just to get in," Patten said.

"We can play with any team in the league," Mattes added.

They will face Port Washington Monday, Feb. 8 at Newbridge Ice Rink. The game is set to drop the puck at 9:25 p.m. and is the last home game of the regular season. It will be one to remember, as it will honor all of the team's seniors and their parents.