By: Mark j. Bartlett

February 14, 2025 – Las Vegas, NV — The Las Vegas Desert Dogs (2-7) kicked off their back-to-back weekend with a Valentine’s Day matchup against the Vancouver Warriors (5-5). Despite a promising start and a spirited effort, the Desert Dogs were unable to hold their early lead and ultimately succumbed to a 12-8 defeat. The game marked the return of goalie Landon Kells, who made his first appearance since January 11 against Saskatchewan.

A Night of High Hopes and Early Leads

The Desert Dogs came out with intensity in the first quarter. Just minutes into the game, they found themselves on the power play. Seizing the opportunity, Jack Hannah intercepted a breakout pass from Vancouver and swiftly passed it to Kyle Killen, who found himself wide open in front of the net. Killen wasted no time, stuffing the ball past the Warriors’ goalie to give Las Vegas a 1-0 lead. The crowd erupted in cheers, their enthusiasm fueling the team’s energy on the floor.

Shortly after, Hannah added another tally to the scoreboard with his 21st goal of the season. The arena roared with approval, as fans decked out in red, pink, and Desert Dogs black-and-gray celebrated the early lead. From young children waving foam paws to couples sharing heart-shaped signs supporting their favorite players, the atmosphere was electric.

However, the Warriors proved they weren’t going to let the Dogs have an easy night. Vancouver answered with a goal on a delayed penalty call, narrowing the gap to 2-1 by the end of the first quarter.

Warriors Dominate the Second Quarter

The second quarter turned the tide in Vancouver’s favor. They opened with four unanswered goals, including a shorthanded strike that left the Desert Dogs’ defense scrambling. The Warriors displayed crisp ball movement and opportunistic scoring, taking advantage of turnovers and power-play opportunities.

While goalie Landon Kells made his first start since January 11 and worked tirelessly between the pipes, Vancouver’s offensive barrage proved too much. The Desert Dogs found themselves unable to respond, entering halftime trailing 5-2.

The Crowd Stays Loud

Despite the scoring drought, the Desert Dogs’ faithful didn’t waver. The arena’s DJ kept spirits high with classic rock anthems and Valentine-themed tunes. Fans were seen dancing in the aisles, and the team’s mascot, Diesel the Dog, was a constant presence, posing for pictures and distributing high-fives. The Valentine’s Day theme was in full swing, with kiss cams, candy giveaways, and even a halftime proposal that drew a collective “aww” from the crowd.

Third-Quarter Rally Falls Short

The Desert Dogs emerged from the locker room with renewed determination. Vancouver struck again to push their lead to 6-2, but the Desert Dogs responded with grit. Jackson Webster broke through with a power-play goal, his first of the night. The goal ignited a roar from the stands, as fans sensed the momentum shifting.

The energy continued to build when Casey Jackson slipped a shot through the goalie’s five-hole, followed by Jonathan Donville capitalizing on a lucky bounce to cut the deficit to one. At 6-5, the crowd was back in full voice, urging their team to complete the comeback.

However, the Warriors countered with precision. A long-range, seeing-eye shot found the back of the net, stopping the Desert Dogs’ surge. Another goal before the period’s end saw Vancouver take an 8-5 lead into the fourth quarter.

Fourth-Quarter Efforts and Final Blow

The final quarter saw flashes of brilliance from the Desert Dogs, but Vancouver’s defense held strong. Killen scored his second of the night to reduce the deficit to 8-6, reigniting hopes of a comeback. However, Vancouver responded with three quick goals, putting the game out of reach at 11-6.

Rookie Adam Poitras managed a power-play goal to make it 11-7, showcasing his growing confidence and skill. The Desert Dogs added one more tally, but the Warriors sealed the game with a final goal, securing a 12-8 victory.

Postgame Reactions

“We came out strong and played with heart, especially in that first quarter,” said head coach Shawn Williams. “But we lost focus during that second quarter, and it’s tough to chase a team like Vancouver after falling behind.”

Goalie Landon Kells, despite the loss, remained optimistic. “It felt good to get back out there and help the team,” Kells said. “We have things to clean up, but I’m confident in our group.”

Fan Engagement: Fun, Festivities, and Dedication

The Valentine’s Day matchup wasn’t just about the game. It was about the community and the fans who make Desert Dogs games a must-attend event in Las Vegas. Couples arrived dressed in matching Desert Dogs jerseys, while others sported creative Valentine-themed attire. One fan dressed as Cupid with a lacrosse stick instead of a bow drew smiles throughout the night.

The team organized several interactive events, including a “Cupid’s Shootout” during halftime where fans took shots on net for prizes. The arena concourse was lively with face-painting booths, merchandise stands, and heart-shaped giveaways. The passion for the Desert Dogs was evident, even as the final score didn’t go their way.

Looking Ahead

The Desert Dogs now face a quick turnaround, hitting the road to battle the Calgary Roughnecks on Sunday, February 16, at 4 p.m. PST. With lessons learned from this hard-fought loss, the team is determined to snap their losing streak and bring home a win.

Fans can stay updated on team news, player stats, and upcoming games by visiting the official website at lasvegasdesertdogs.com.

LVDD Top Performers

• Jack Hannah – 6 points (1 goal, 5 assists)
• Jonathan Donville – 3 points (1 goal, 2 assists)
• Adam Poitras – 3 points (1 goal, 2 assists)

The Las Vegas Desert Dogs may have lost the battle on Valentine’s Day, but the love and support from their fans were unwavering. With resilience and determination, they look forward to their next challenge, ready to fight for every goal and every win.