OHL Erie Otters

Harper Nets Hat Trick as Otters Lose to Whalers

Published on March 7, 2012 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Erie Otters News Release


Erie, PA - Stephen Harper collected the first hat trick of his OHL career but it was not enough for the Erie Otters, who lost to the West Division champion Plymouth Whalers. The Whalers won by the score of 10-6 Wednesday night at Tullio Arena.

The Otters struck first 4:27 into the game. Luke Cairns continued his recent hot streak with a goal in his fourth straight game, as he fired home a shot through the blocker side of Matt Mahalak for his 13th goal of the season.

Mitchell Heard quickly tied the game for the Whalers, but the Otters were able to regain the lead at 6:47 on Kris Grant's third goal of the season. Grant fired a shot from the top of the left circle through the glove side of Mahalak.

Stephen Harper ended Mahalak's night after Sondre Olden forced a turnover behind the net and found Harper in front for the rookie's 22nd goal of the season at 7:48.

Controversy arose with 7:05 left in the first after Travis Wood was knocked out of the game after a hit to the head by Tom Wilson, who was not penalized for his hit. Heard then scored his second of the game with 53 seconds left in the period to trim the Otters lead to one.

Heard's second goal of the game started a run of six unanswered goals by the Whalers. The Otters broke the run with Harper's second goal of the game at 17:28 of the second, as the rookie fired home a one-timer from the right circle during an Otters two-man advantage.

Cody Payne then scored shorthanded to complete Plymouth's six-goal second period, making the score 8-4 in favor of Plymouth after two periods.

Harper completed the hat trick at 5:03 of the third, hammering home a one-timer from Olden. The goal moved Harper into a three-way tie for most goals by an OHL rookie with teammate Connor Brown and Kitchener's Radek Faksa. Each player has 24 goals this season.

Levi and J.T. Miller each scored just over a minute apart to put Plymouth in double digits, and Olden completed the scoring with his 11th goal of the season after finishing off a play set up by Jake Evans with 3:20 to go.

The Otters return to Tullio Arena Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. to host the Kitchener Rangers, presented by Father and Son Remodeling. For tickets, call (814) 452-4857 or go to ErieEvents.com.

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from March 7, 2012


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